ATLUTD2 Signs Academy Midfielder Andrew Jardines

Atlanta United 2 announced Monday that it has signed Academy midfielder Andrew Jardines through the 2027-28 MLS NEXT Pro season.

The 18-year-old entered 2026 in his final Academy season. When Atlanta published the plans for its graduating players in April, Jardines was listed as seeking professional opportunities. Four months later, he has a professional contract and an established place in the ATLUTD2 midfield.

Jardines made his professional debut against Orlando City B on May 10th. He has since appeared in every ATLUTD2 match, making his first start in Atlanta’s 3-0 win over Chicago Fire FC II on June 6th. Through 14 appearances and 10 starts, he has recorded one goal, two assists and an 88% pass-completion rate.

In a little over three months, Jardines progressed from an Academy player receiving opportunities off the bench to a regular starter and earned his first professional contract.

From Cumming to the Professional Team

Jardines was born in Atlanta and grew up in Cumming, Georgia. He developed with local youth club United Futbol Academy before joining Atlanta United’s Academy in August 2024.

His first season included a run to the semifinals of the 2025 U-18 Generation adidas Cup. Atlanta opened the tournament with victories over Santos Laguna and Sporting Kansas City before advancing from its group. The team then eliminated Inter Milan 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a scoreless Round of 16 match. Atlanta defeated the Portland Timbers in the quarterfinals before its run ended against the Colorado Rapids in the semifinal.

Jardines returned to the U-18 team in 2026 and recorded 20 combined goals and assists during his final Academy season, according to the club. He holds United States and Mexican citizenship and is eligible to represent either country internationally.

Earning His Place with ATLUTD2

Jardines entered in the 82’ of his debut against Orlando, joining fellow Atlanta U-18 player Amir Henry in making his first professional appearance. Atlanta was already playing with 10 men and trailing 2-0 by the time Jardines entered at Turner Soccer Complex.

Six days later, Jardines received another opportunity against Huntsville City FC. He entered at halftime with Atlanta trailing 2-0 despite Huntsville being reduced to 10 players shortly before the break. Arif Kovac scored three times during the second half to put Atlanta ahead. Huntsville then lost a second player to a red card, and ATLUTD2 added three goals in stoppage time to complete a 6-2 victory. Jardines created the last goal. His pass set up Kovac in the 98th, allowing the striker to complete a team-record five-goal performance while giving Jardines his first professional assist in only his second appearance.

Jardines continued to appear as a substitute against Philadelphia Union II and Carolina Core FC before making his first professional start against Chicago Fire FC II on June 6. Atlanta won 3-0, and Jardines remained in the starting lineup one week later against Chattanooga FC.

He got his first professional goal in his second start. Atlanta fell behind 3-0 shortly after halftime but reduced the deficit with two Chattanooga own goals. In the 71st, a long attempt from Moises Tablante was blocked inside a crowded penalty area. The rebound fell to Jardines in front of the net, and he placed his shot past goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic to complete Atlanta’s comeback.

Jardines’ second assist came during Atlanta’s 3-2 victory over New York City FC II on July 26. Enzo Dovlo found Jardines outside the penalty box. Jardines looked toward the back post and lifted a cross over the defense to Kovac, who guided a first-time finish into the upper corner. Jardines was also involved in Atlanta’s second goal. He carried the ball deep into the New York half, dribbled past two defenders and passed to Adrian Gill. Gill then played Kovac behind the defense for his second goal of the match. It showed his ability to move the attack forward and create an opening against a set defense.

A Professional Contract, but Not Yet a Homegrown Deal

Academy players may appear in MLS NEXT Pro while retaining their amateur status. Jardines made his first 14 appearances under that arrangement. He is now the fourth Atlanta United Academy player on an ATLUTD2 contract this season, joining goalkeepers James Donaldson and Jonathan Ransom, and midfielder D.D. Sibrian.

An ATLUTD2 contract can provide the next step toward earning an Atlanta United Homegrown deal. Ransom and Sibrian are already following that path. Ransom’s Homegrown contract begins in January 2027, while Sibrian will join the first-team roster in July 2028.

Jardines began May with Atlanta’s U-18 team while seeking a professional opportunity. His work and performances over the following three months earned him a contract through the 2027-28 season. He can now use that time to continue developing with ATLUTD2 and make his case for a future Homegrown contract.