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Atlanta Re-Signs Robbie Mertz for 2022 Season

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 12/14/21, 10:09AM EST

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Academy standout David Mejia also signs first pro deal after competing for side over past two seasons


Robbie Mertz has re-signed with Atlanta United 2 after leading the club with five assists during the 2021 Championship season. | Photo courtesy Chris Cowger / Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

ATLANTA – Atlanta United 2 announced on Tuesday it had re-signed midfielder Robbie Mertz and signed former Academy standout David Mejia to his first professional contract as the side continues to build its squad for the 2022 USL Championship season. Both transactions are pending league and federation approval.

Mertz started 26 of his 28 appearances in the Championship in 2021 and tallied one goal and a team-high five assists while finishing second on the team with 43 chances created.

“We’re pleased to bring Robbie back after a productive season in which he was a key contributor to our squad,” said Atlanta United 2 Head Coach Jack Collison. “Robbie is a creative player who adds quality to our midfield and his leadership is invaluable to our young group.”

Mertz joined Atlanta last January after two seasons with fellow Championship club Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. He was selected by the Colorado Rapids with the 76th overall pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft before signing with Riverhounds SC. The Pittsburgh native tallied 12 goals and eight assists in 48 appearances across all competitions during his two years with his hometown club.

Mejia made 26 appearances and eight starts for Atlanta over the past two seasons, recording five goals and one assist as a USL Academy signing. He made 10 appearances with one start in 2020, scoring three goals and adding an assist in 198 minutes. Mejia then started seven of his 16 appearances in 2021 and scored two goals in 681 minutes.

“David has shown great progress throughout his time with our Academy, and he’s earned a professional contract with the club,” said Collison. “David’s worked hard to utilize the club’s pathway, which is a credit to his commitment and the program that we have in place. He’s proven that he can perform at the professional level, and we’re excited for him to take this important next step in his development.”

The 18-year-old joined the Atlanta United Academy in August of 2018 when his family moved from Jacksonville, Florida to the Atlanta area. The Lima, Peru native made 24 appearances with the U-17s that season. He has spent the past two seasons with the U-19s as well as competing in the Championship.

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