Atlanta United 2 announced the hire of assistant coach Rob Valentino on Tuesday. He is the first member of head coach Scott Donnelly’s staff for the United Soccer League team and affiliate of Atlanta United.
Valentino most recently served as an assistant coach for Orlando City B.
“I’m pleased to bring Rob onto the staff here with Atlanta United 2,” Donnelly said in a statement. “Perhaps most importantly, Rob shares the club’s core values and focus, and in addition to his experience in the USL and pedigree as a player, he will be a great asset as we continue building this group.”
Before becoming a coach, Valentino played professionally for eight years as a defender. He was drafted No. 13 overall in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft by New England Revolution and later played for Colorado Rapids and FC Tampa Bay before landing at Orlando City in 2011 for the team’s inaugural season. He played in the USL and was the Defender of the Year in 2011. He played collegiately at the University of San Francisco.
Atlanta United 2 will play at Coolray Field and begins the season March 24.
