Atlanta United signs Matt Edwards and Matías Gallardo to short-term deals

Atlanta United announced today that they have signed Matt Edwards and Matías Gallardo to short-term deals for Wednesday’s match at DC United (7:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass, 92.9 The Game, La Mejor).

Per the rules and regulations of the MLS Roster 2024, a club may sign a player aged 25 or younger during the league season, from its affiliate (MLS NEXT Pro) for a maximum of four short-term deals (up to ‘to four days) each. season (maximum 16 days). An individual player may appear on up to four MLS league season match rosters each season, however, that player may appear in no more than two MLS league season matches. An individual player can participate in any number of non-league matches during the duration of their four short-term deals.

Edwards signed his fourth and final short-term deal this season since joining Atlanta United 2 on December 22, 2023, following his three seasons at the University of North Carolina. The 21-year-old defender made his Atlanta United debut in the US Open Cup Round of 16 against Charlotte Independence, where he played 64 minutes and recorded an assist in the club’s 3-0 victory. Edwards also started Atlanta’s US Open Cup match against Charleston Battery, where he helped keep another clean sheet before the 5-cushion advanced to penalties. The ATL UTD 2 captain made 10 appearances, nine starts, during the MLS NEXT Pro 2024 campaign, anchoring the Atlanta defense that kept three clean sheets this season. Edwards joined the Atlanta United Academy in 2019 at the U-17 level and served as captain of the U-19 team before his three-year stint with the Tar Heels.

Gallardo signed his first short-term deal with the club since joining Atlanta United 2 on July 27, 2023. The Buenos Aires, Argentina native appeared in 11 matches, nine starts, for ATL UTD 2 this season and notched an assist in the club’s match. match against Carolina Core FC on May 8. Gallardo joined Atlanta United from Argentine Primera División side River Plate, where he rose through the Academy ranks before making his first-team debut as a second-half substitute in a friendly victory 4-3 against Chilean team from Universidad de Chile on March 25, 2023.