Atlanta United have one less international slot issue to worry about. The club announced on Monday that Tito Villalba has acquired a United States green card and will no longer count as an international player on their roster.
Villalba was signed as Atlanta’s first-ever Designated Player in July of 2016. After spending half of a season on-loan with Club Tijuana he joined the Five Stripes for their inaugural season and shined. With 13 goals and 11 assists, the 23-year-old established himself as a key component to the club’s record-breaking attack.
This news is very much welcome for the club who are pushing the limits of a Major League Soccer roster.