ATL Standard

The MLS secondary transfer window concluded on August 14, during which Atlanta United added Portuguese defender Pedro Amador and Russian midfielder Alexey Miranchuk to their roster. While Amador has already played in the Leagues Cup, Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra confirmed that Miranchuk might debut against the Los Angeles Galaxy on August 24.

With nine games remaining in the regular season, Bocanegra discussed the club's recent moves and future outlook as they aim for an MLS Cup playoff spot. He acknowledged that each transfer window presents unique challenges and explained why Miranchuk was the only designated player acquired.

“Ultimately, we were looking at a wide forward, a striker, a few other positions and we did not feel that there was a right fit,” said Bocanegra. “We didn’t want to force something in to lock us into a bad situation for a long time. We didn’t go forward with that, but I think we’re really excited with the players that we’ve been able to add.”

Bocanegra emphasized the importance of making strategic decisions rather than forcing changes. Atlanta United is currently ninth in the Eastern Conference with 28 points. They will face several key opponents, including Nashville SC (26 points), Philadelphia Union (27 points), and CF Montreal (27 points), who are close behind them in the standings.

“I think it was a nice little confidence boost for us, the group, everybody, beating Columbus heading into the window showing people what we can do,” said Bocanegra. “Now we’ve added Pedro, we’ve added Alexey back to the group, our forwards are fortunately popping in some goals for us as well so it’s very much getting into the playoffs and making a deep run and seeing what we can do.”

Daniel Ríos has been instrumental since joining on loan from CD Guadalajara in March. He is tied with Saba Lobjanidze for six goals this season and scored five goals in six matches during July.

Atlanta's upcoming matches against LA Galaxy and Charlotte FC will be away games before returning home on September 14 to face Nashville SC during Latin Heritage Night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Fans can watch all matches on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV or listen locally on 92.9 The Game and La Mejor.

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