Expansion MLS club Atlanta United has announced that American defender Michael Parkhurst will serve as the club’s first captain.
The 33-year-old veteran was chosen over other well-known players on the squad such as Kenwyne Jones, Brad Guzan, Jeff Larentowicz. Parkhurst, a four-time MLS All-Star, knows the league well having spent a total of six seasons with New England and Columbus.
The club announced the decision by posting a video of director Carlos Bocanegra and manager Gerardo Martino giving Parkhurst the news.
Honored to be the first! Hope to set a good precedent for the future. https://t.co/jSAx553rUE
— Michael Parkhurst (@MFparkhurst) February 17, 2017
Atlanta looks primed for a successful inaugural season, with a number of signings hailed as early successes. They have signed USMNT veterans like Parkhurst and Greg Garza, plus young Designated Players such as 22-year-old Hector Villalba and 23-year-old Miguel Almiron. Jones is a goal-scorer with Premier League experience, and they picked up Syracuse defender Miles Robinson in the draft, considered one of - if not the - best defender in the pool.