Cooper Sanchez, a midfielder from Seattle, has marked significant milestones in his young soccer career with Atlanta United. At just 17 years old, Sanchez recently made his first Major League Soccer (MLS) appearance for Atlanta United, following an earlier debut in the Leagues Cup against Atlas FC on August 6. His progression comes after signing a Homegrown deal with the club, officially making him a First Team player.
Sanchez first joined Atlanta United at age 12 and became the youngest player to debut for Atlanta United 2 on March 22, 2023, at only 15 years and eight days old. Reflecting on his journey so far, Sanchez said during a media session after training, “I’ve been here since I was 12 years old. It’s a pretty big moment for me and my family, to see the hard work pay off, but it’s just a start.”
Comparing his experiences between the Leagues Cup and MLS debuts, Sanchez noted his growth as a player: “In the League’s Cup game, I came on and I was obviously nervous,” he said. “It was my first time coming on at [Mercedes-Benz Stadium] as well. [I was] a little shaky at times getting on the ball and stuff, not really that confident. But I think the last game I showed you I want to get on the ball. I want to be a player that makes stuff happen.”
Throughout his development in Atlanta United’s academy system and with Atlanta United 2, Sanchez has often played against older opponents—a factor he credits for preparing him physically and mentally for higher levels of competition. “I always played up in an age group or two at times during my academy days, and that’s got me ready for the physical side of the game,” Sanchez said. “A big thanks to all the coaches that I’ve had along the way and also my teammates pushing me every day.”
His time with Atlanta United 2 included about two-and-a-half seasons of experience and 15 starts in 2025 alone. The team has served as a stepping stone for several Homegrown players now signed to First Team contracts.
“The training environments really good down there [with the 2s],” Sanchez explained. “They push, and ultimately the goal is for everyone to get up here [with the First Team] at some point. A big thanks to [former 2s head coach Steve] Cooke, when he was here, to trust in me and [head coach Jose] Silva as well. When I was so young, to put me on the field and get me through those experiences, that only helped me to where I am today.”
Sanchez acknowledges areas where he hopes to improve further—particularly strength conditioning—as he continues regular sessions with Atlanta United’s First Team at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground.
“I think a big change is just getting more comfortable with the team and everything,” he said. “I already feel connected to the group.”
Atlanta United head coach Ronny Deila praised Sanchez’s recent performance: “Cooper [got] his debut, I was very happy with that,” Deila said after Saturday’s match. “We have some really talented boys there, but we cannot put everybody on the pitch.”
Despite early achievements in his career trajectory, Sanchez maintains focus on continued growth within Atlanta United: “Just signing a contract doesn’t really mean a whole lot,” he stated. “I’m humble. I want to be a big part of this club and a big part of the First Team going forward. It’s just the first step.”
