Atlanta United Signs Cooper Sanchez and Nyk Sessock to Short-Term Agreements Ahead of NYCFC Match

Atlanta United today announced the signing of midfielder Cooper Sanchez and defender Nyk Sessock to Short-Term Agreements ahead of Thursday night’s matchup against New York City FC (7:30 p.m. ET,).

The signings come under the provisions of the 2025 MLS Roster Rules and Regulations, which allow clubs to temporarily sign players aged 25 or younger from their MLS NEXT Pro affiliates for up to four short-term agreements per season, totaling a maximum of 16 days. Players may appear on up to four MLS matchday rosters per season, though they are limited to two actual MLS league appearances. However, they are eligible for unlimited non-league match participation during the term of these agreements. This marks the second short-term call-up of the season for both Sanchez and Sessock.

Sanchez, 17, continues his rapid ascent through the Atlanta United ranks. After joining the Academy in 2018, the Seattle native signed his first professional contract with ATL UTD 2 on July 2, 2024. Last season, he starred for the U-16 side that posted a dominant 22-1-1 record and clinched the MLS NEXT Cup title. Sanchez played a pivotal role, scoring in the championship game’s 3-1 win over Strikers FC.

In 2025, Sanchez has made 10 appearances (eight starts) for ATL UTD 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, recording two assists across 619 minutes. He has already made 17 professional appearances overall and is set to become a Homegrown Player on January 1, 2026.

Sessock, 24, joined ATL UTD 2 earlier this year on February 24. A product of the Philadelphia Union academy system, the defender played collegiately at Pittsburgh before transferring to Indiana University. During his time with the Hoosiers, Sessock helped secure the Big-10 Regular Season and Tournament titles in 2020, and made two NCAA National Championship appearances in 2020 and 2022.

This season, Sessock has been a consistent force for ATL UTD 2, starting all 11 matches and logging 964 minutes. He ranks second on the team with 15 key passes, highlighting his two-way contributions from the back line.

Cooper Sanchez is a midfielder, born March 26, 2008 in Seattle, Washington. He stands 5’9” and is a U.S. citizen. Nyk Sessock, a 5’7” defender born on June 17, 2000 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, also holds U.S. citizenship. Both players were officially signed to Short-Term Agreements on June 11, 2025.