ATLANTA (June 21, 2023) –Atlanta United today announced that it has signed Luke Brennan and Nick Firmino to Short-Term Agreements, making each eligible for selection for Wednesday’s home match against New York City FC (7:30 p.m. EST, MLS Season Pass, 92.9 The Game, La Mejor) and Saturday’s match at New York Red Bulls (7:30 p.m. EST, MLS Season Pass, 92.9 The Game, La Mejor).
Per 2023 MLS Roster Rules and Regulations, a club may sign a player, age 25 or younger during the league season, from its affiliate (MLS NEXT Pro) to a maximum of four Short-Term Agreements (up to four-day contracts) each season (maximum of 16 days). An individual player may be included 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 may appear in any number of non-league games during the terms of his four Short-Term Agreements.
A club may roster up to four players on Short-Term Agreements per MLS league season match, so long as they are Homegrown Players or Players earning less than or equal to the MLS Senior Minimum Salary ($85,444) with the affiliate. This number will be reduced to one player per MLS league season match after Roster Freeze (inclusive of MLS Cup Playoffs). Additional players may also be signed to Short-Term Agreements for MLS league season games but only in cases of Extreme Hardship.
Brennan, 18, has seen playing time with ATL UTD 2 in each of the past two seasons. The former Academy standout made his professional debut for ATL UTD 2 on Oct. 17, 2021 against Memphis 901 FC. Last season, the forward made 27 appearances in the USL Championship including 11 starts, and scored his first professional goal on July 6, 2022 in a 3-3 draw against Birmingham Legion FC. Brennan has started 14 games for ATL UTD 2 in MLS NEXT Pro this season, recording one goal and three assists. He will become an Atlanta United Homegrown player effective Jan. 1, 2024.
Firmino signed with ATL UTD 2 on March 2, 2022 and made 34 appearances last season in the USL Championship where he recorded three goals and one assist. The Brazilian-American midfielder has had a breakout start to the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season and ranks tied for second in the league with eight goals while adding three assists in 14 appearances.
