Atlanta United today announced the signing of goalkeeper Brendan Moore. The 26-year-old joins the 2018 MLS Cup Champions after previously playing for three different clubs in England. Most recently, Moore played for Rochdale AFC in League One, the third tier of the English football league system.
“Brendan is a talented young goalkeeper with a bright future and we’re pleased to have added him to our roster,” Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. “He’s a local product with valuable professional experience in England and he’ll add quality to the overall group of goalkeepers.”
The 6-foot-2 keeper has made 10 total appearances this season for Rochdale, with eight coming this past season in league play. He’s kept five clean sheets, including a 2-0 win over Grimsby Town in the First Round of 2018-19 EFL Cup. Prior to this season in his professional career, Moore completed two loan stints with Torquay United between 2015-2017 to earn some playing time. He made 58 appearances (18 clean sheets) for Torquay in the National League before transferring to Rochdale in July 2017.
Moore was born in Elmira, N.Y., but grew up in the Atlanta area where he starred at Centennial High School in Roswell, Georgia during his prep years. He set the school’s career record for shutouts with 24 and helped the varsity team win a Georgia State Championship in 2009. He went on to sign for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2010.
After waiting his time, Moore became the starting goalkeeper for the Tar Heels in 2013 and led the ACC in Goals Against Average at 0.61. He finished the season with 10 shutouts and a save percentage of 81 percent to earn Second Team All-ACC honors. He followed up that season with another stellar campaign in 2014 that included nine shutouts in 22 starts as Moore and the Tar Heels advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Championship that year. After earning his degree, Moore made the move to England and signed with League One side Fleetwood Town.
PLAYER PROFILE
Name: Brendan Moore
Position: Goalkeeper
Birthdate: April 16, 1992 (age: 26)
Birthplace: Elmira, N.Y.
Hometown: Roswell, Ga.
Height: 6-3
Nationality: USA
Previous Team: Rochdale AFC
Transaction: Atlanta United signed Brendan Moore as a Discovery Signing on Jan. 9, 2019.