ATLANTA — A Warner Robins native has taken the next step in his soccer career.
Atlanta United 2 announced the signing of centerback Kaiden Moore on July 26 and officially signed his contract on Aug. 7.
The Feagin Middle School alum didn’t take long to make an impact. On Sunday, the 17-year-old scored his first professional goal in a 2-1 win over Toronto FC II.
The Atlanta United 2 contract was the first professional contract Moore has signed in his career. He started the season as an academy call-up in preseason camp with the team.
Shortly after, he was invited to join the U.S. Under-17 Youth National Team in West Palm Beach. He’s been with two different U-17 squads since Sept. 2023.
In April, Moore returned to the team and made his professional debut against Philadelphia Union.
He began with the Atlanta United’s Academy in 2022 and was a member of the Under-16 Academy team, which won the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup Championship.
Moore’s contract will last through the rest of the 2024 season and all of the 2025 season. He’ll then be promoted to a Homegrown Player for the 2026 season.
In 2026, when Moore is promoted to Homegrown Player status, he’ll join the main Atlanta United roster. There are currently seven players listed with homegrown status, and four of them are from Georgia.
Moore is the third player signed on the Atlanta United 2 roster, which is the MLS Next Pro team of Atlanta United. They serve as a developmental team for Atlanta United.
“ATL UTD 2 is the fundamental link in our club’s vertical integration, connecting our Academy teams to our First Team,” said Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra. “This team gives us a chance to challenge academy players at the professional level while also giving our First Team players an opportunity to stay match fit and when returning from injury. This team will be a blend of local talent and seasoned pros.”
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