New Atlanta United 2 arrival Rocco Ríos Novo was the starter in goal for Argentina at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2019. | Photo courtesy Club Atlético Lanús
ATLANTA – Atlanta United 2 announced on Tuesday it had acquired Argentine youth international goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo on loan from Argentina’s Club Atlético Lanús for the 2021 USL Championship season.
“We are fortunate to bring in Rocco on loan this season and have him compete within our goalkeeping group,” said ATL UTD 2 Head Coach Stephen Glass. “Rocco has been a mainstay among Argentina’s Youth National Teams since he was 15 years old and we are excited to have the opportunity to work with him.”
Ríos Novo was born in Los Angeles, California but moved to Argentina at a young age where he joined Lanús’ youth academy. The 18-year-old has been a fixture with Argentina’s Youth National Teams representing the U-15s and the U-17s. He was the starting goalkeeper during the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the 2019 South American U-17 Championship, where Argentina won its fourth title as Ríos Novo collected five clean sheets in eight matches.