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Atlanta United FC signs first player: Alexander Tambakis

By John Buhler

Apr 16, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Team owner Arthur Blank answers questions from the media during the announcement of an MLS expansion team in Atlanta. The event was held at Ventanas. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Team owner Arthur Blank answers questions from the media during the announcement of an MLS expansion team in Atlanta. The event was held at Ventanas. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta United FC has officially signed its first player in goal keeper Alexander Tambakis and will play with for the USL’s Charleston Battery in 2016.

January 25th, 2016 is a historic day for Atlanta United FC, as the 2017 MLS expansion club out of Atlanta, Georgia has officially signed its first player in Panathinaikos goal keeper Alexander Tambakis.

The 23-year-old goalie will plan for Atlanta United FC’s USL affiliate in the Charleston Battery on loan form Panathinaikos, assuming his International Transfer Certificate goes through. The nature of this signing has not been publicly disclosed, per the MLS and Atlanta United FC’s policies.

The interesting part of this signing besides it being the first in Atlanta United FC’s short history is that Tambakis won’t count towards one of United’s international roster spots, as Tambakis holds both American and Greek citizenship.

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Club president Darren Eales said of Alexander Tambakis’ signing with Atlanta United FC, “This is an exciting day for our club as we officially begin building our roster. Every spot on the roster is important as we seek to find a competitive edge. Our approach will be to find quality players that contribute to the squad at every level.”

Signing a player that has played at the top-level in the Greek Superleague, as well as not burning an international roster spot was both a sneaky and brilliant move made by the Atlanta front office. It is interesting that Tambakis will come to the MLS at 23 years old and will play in the USL with the Charleston Battery starting in March of 2016.

This bodes well for developing a strong corps for Atlanta United FC’s roster. Technical director and former United States Men’s National Team captain Carlos Bocanegra spoke about the January signing of Alexander Tambakis. “Alex is a promising young player with solid tools and a big upside. He’s already had big game experience in Greece which is an advantage for a 23-year-old goalkeeper. We’re looking forward to his continued development at the Battery.”

Next: Atlanta United FC partner with USL's Charleston Battery?

It makes sense for the club’s first signing to stand as a young goalkeeper in Tambakis, as someone both Eales and Bocanegra can build a competitive team for Atlanta United FC owner Arthur Blank by the time the 2017 MLS season is underway. While United’s home of Mercedes-Benz Stadium won’t reach completion until midway through their inaugural season, the soccer club continues to march forward with their first signee in club history in goalkeeper Alexander Tambakis.

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