Atlanta United Trade Down, Add Midfield Pair in 2026 MLS SuperDraft

Atlanta United made a pair of moves during the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, turning draft capital into roster flexibility while adding two midfield prospects to the organization.

The club traded the No. 2 overall selection to FC Dallas in exchange for $400,000 in General Allocation Money — $350,000 in 2026 and $50,000 in 2027 — along with the No. 12 pick. With that selection, Atlanta chose midfielder Enzo Dovlo out of the University of North Carolina Greensboro. The 5-Stripes later added another midfield option by selecting Noah James from the University of San Diego with the No. 62 pick.

Dovlo arrives in Atlanta following a standout three-year collegiate career at UNCG where he was a model of consistency, starting all 56 matches he appeared in while totaling 15 goals and 13 assists. The Paris, France native made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2023, starting 16 matches and earning All-Southern Conference Freshman Team honors while playing primarily as a left back.

His role and production expanded in 2024, as he started all 17 matches and finished the season with five goals and four assists, including a team-high three game-winning goals. That campaign earned him All-SoCon Second Team honors and a SoCon Offensive Player of the Week award, helping UNCG finish as SoCon Regular Season Co-Champions.

Dovlo saved his best season for last. In 2025, the midfielder posted career highs with 10 goals and eight assists across 23 starts, earning First-Team All-SoCon and Third-Team All-America recognition. He recorded a hat trick against VCU on Aug. 24 and was again named SoCon Offensive Player of the Week. Dovlo added one goal and two assists during the postseason as UNCG reached the SoCon Tournament Championship game and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.

Atlanta’s second selection came later in the draft with Noah James, a versatile midfielder who brings experience from two successful collegiate programs. James made 60 total appearances across three seasons, beginning his career at Western Michigan University where he started 42 of 44 matches and earned TopDrawer Soccer Freshman Best XI First Team honors.

The Poway, California native enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024, scoring seven goals and adding four assists as he helped lead Western Michigan to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He transferred to the University of San Diego for the 2025 season and continued to make an impact, starting all 19 matches and recording two goals and four assists. James earned All-WCC Second Team honors as San Diego captured its fourth consecutive West Coast Conference Championship.

By trading down and adding allocation money, Atlanta United increased its roster flexibility while still securing two productive midfielders with proven collegiate résumés. The selections of Dovlo and James reflect a balanced approach — investing in the future while creating financial room to strengthen the squad heading into the 2026 season.

In the end, Atlanta United walked away from the SuperDraft with exactly what it needed: flexibility and upside. Turning the No. 2 pick into significant allocation money while still adding two proven, high-motor midfielders reflects a front office focused on both the present and the future. Enzo Dovlo brings production, composure, and a winning pedigree, while Noah James adds versatility and bite from the college ranks. It’s a smart, measured approach—one that keeps options open and reinforces the club’s commitment to building depth the right way as the next chapter of the Five Stripes continues to take shape.