Ever since Cooper Sanchez arrived in Georgia to join the Atlanta United academy, his dream was always to become a professional player with the club. He is making that dream a reality this season.
It was announced on July 2 that Atlanta United signed Sanchez to an MLS Next Pro contract through 2025, and he will become Atlanta’s 20th Homegrown player effective Jan. 1, 2026.
“It means everything to me right now. I think the first step is getting more minutes with the 2’s, starting to establish myself within the second team, and then pushing on to the first team,” said Sanchez. “My ultimate goal is to go to Europe at some point, just like Caleb [Wiley] just did. That’s one of my goals, but it means a lot to play for this club.”
Sanchez became the youngest player in club history to appear for Atlanta United 2 when he checked in as a substitute in a 2-0 victory over Chicago Fire II in 2023.
“It was pretty late that I got into the roster. I think the roster was kind of iffy towards the end of the day, I think it was a Friday. We played Saturday, so once I got on the roster, I had the feeling that I wanted to play, obviously that's your goal when you make the bench,” said Sanchez. “As soon as they called my name to get subbed on, it was like, whoa, like this is really happening, and I actually didn't know I was the youngest until after the game. That was pretty cool for my family and I to realize, so it was a great moment.”
This dream has always been at the front of Sanchez’s mind since he started playing for the U-12 back in 2018. As he continued to grow within the club, he continued to rise through the ranks.
“Ever since U-12, I've been kind of playing up a year. It's always been like a physical challenge, so it wasn't really something to get used to. I would say when I was called up to the 2’s for the first time training. It moved fast,” said Sanchez. “It was during my U-15 year that I got called up first to the 17s to train and play games, and I did that, I think, for two weeks only. Then it was straight into the 2’s and I've been there ever since.”
Sanchez describes himself as a simple player, but he gets the work done. He has noticed that he had a huge growth in his development last year, especially in the way he can dominate on the field.
“I think my goal when I come into games is always to make an impact. If that's just changing the energy of the game, you got to see what the game is telling,” said Sanchez. “If we were up a goal, you know, keeping the ball. For down a goal, we need to push a little bit more.”
Atlanta has been home for Sanchez for a while now, and the club, the people around him and his friends are the reasons he considers Atlanta home.
The midfielder was a part of the 2023 U-16 side that went 22-1-1 in the regular season and won the MLS Next Cup where scored in that 3-1 victory over Strikers FC in the match. Sanchez talked about this team, and highlights how the camaraderie between the team was a big reason they saw so much success.
“Ever since U-12, we've all been playing together, so it's cool to see us all come through the ranks and stuff. I was saying this at the last U-16 playoffs last year to the guys that I think the reason we won was just because we were so bonded on and off the field,” said Sanchez. “I think that team that year was just unbelievable. We all got along with each other. There was nothing wrong.”
Sanchez has had a few opportunities to train with the first team. One of those moments was in preseason this year with Atlanta United when they faced off against Birmingham Legion. When asked if there is a specific player from the first team that he wants to emulate, he mentioned that there is a one player that many coaches see some similarities between them.
“They compare me with Dax McCarty a lot,” said Sanchez. “Our technical ability and size. I'm not the biggest, we're both not the biggest, but I do video with him as well a lot, so that's cool. He gives me a lot of tips and everything.”
From looking at video with McCarty, Sanchez also learns a lot of lessons that he can take to the field and continue to grow.
“For me, it's just the little things, I would say, like certain movements or certain ways to open your hips just so you can play forward more often,” said Sanchez. “His one thing was don't be afraid to make mistakes at all. Even if he misses a pass, cool, move on to the next one.”
Sanchez has been playing consistently lately for the 2’s, made his debut with the United States U16 squad in May for matches against Uruguay and Argentina and is excited for the future with Atlanta.
“Ever since last year I started training with them, Steve [Cooke] and Jose [Silva] have been very, very helpful, and obviously giving me the opportunity to train and play with them,” said Sanchez. “For Steve to give me my debut at such a young age, I'm really grateful for it. They push me every day. They know I have potential and they want me to work. I appreciate that.”
Atlanta United 2 is back in action this Friday as they host Orlando City B at Fifth Third Stadium at 7:30 p.m. You can listen to the match on https://soccerdownhere.mixlr.com/ with pregame coverage starting at 7:00 p.m.
✍️: Madison Crews
Comments