ATL Standard

The Atlanta United on Jan. 10 announced that the club has signed goalie Justin Garces to a homegrown deal for 2022 with options through 2024.

According to a team issued press release, the 21-year-old Garces returns to Atlanta following four seasons at UCLA.

He was a member of the Academy’s U-19 team almost five years ago.

“Justin is someone we are very excited about bringing back to the club,” Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said in the release. “We saw the raw talent he had when he came through our Academy and made some appearances at the USL level.”

Bocanegra added that Garces made significant progress while lettering with the Bruins.

“He has a great frame and is comfortable with the ball at his feet,” Bocanegra said. “We are excited to see him continue his development with our club.”

Garcia logged 57 matches for UCLA, translating his appearances into 21 victories and seven clean sheets.

As a freshman, he played a program-high 14 matches, the release said.

A 2021 Pac-12 All Conference Second Team member, Garces started two matches for Atlanta United 2’s inaugural season in the USL Championship in 2018.

He also played for the U.S. Men’s National Team for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in addition to the USMNT U-19’s.