Atlanta United 2 today announced it has acquired goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo on loan from Argentina’s Club Atlético Lanús for the 2021 USL Championship season.
“We are fortunate to bring in Rocco on loan this season and have him compete within our goalkeeping group,” ATL UTD 2 head coach Stephen Glass said. “Rocco has been a mainstay among Argentina’s Youth National Teams since he was 15 years old and we are excited to have the opportunity to work with him.”
Ríos Novo, 18, was born in Los Angeles, California but moved to Argentina at a young age where he joined Lanús’ youth academy. He has been a fixture with Argentina’s Youth National Teams representing the U-15s and the U-17s. He was the starting goalkeeper during the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the 2019 South American U-17 Championship, where Argentina won its fourth title as Ríos Novo collected five clean sheets in eight matches.
PLAYER PROFILE
Name: Rocco Ríos Novo
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 5-10
Weight: 155
Birthdate: June 4, 2002 (18)
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
Citizenship: United States, Argentina
Transaction: Atlanta United 2 signs Rocco Ríos Novo on loan on March 2, 2021 for the 2021 USL Championship season.
2021 Atlanta United 2 roster (as of March 2, 2021)
Goalkeepers (2): Ben Lundgaard, Rocco Ríos Novo*
Defenders (2): Jack Gurr, Bradley Kamdem Fewo
Midfielders (3): Abdoulaye Diop, Robbie Mertz, Daniel Steedman**
Forwards (2): Amadou Macky Diop, Phillip Goodrum
*on loan for the 2021 USL Championship season
** drafted by Austin FC in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft