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Young Panamanian Benitez joins ATL UTD 2 on Loan

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 01/31/19, 5:34PM EST

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19-year-old made full international debut this past Sunday against United States


New ATL UTD 2 arrival Guillermo Benitez made five starts for Panama's U-20 National Team as it qualified for the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup last November.

ATLANTA – ATL UTD 2 announced on Thursday it had signed 19-year-old defender Guillermo Benítez on loan for the 2019 USL Championship season from Panama’s C.D. Plaza Amador, pending league and federation approval.

Benítez arrives in Atlanta having made his debut for the Panama National Team this past Sunday when he started against the United States in an international exhibition. He has been a standout for Panama’s Youth National Teams and earned his first call up to the senior team for a friendly against Venezuela in September 2018.

“Guillermo fits the player profile we are looking for at the club,” said ATL UTD 2 Head Coach Stephen Glass. “He already has international experience, and I am excited to work with him and continue his development here at Atlanta United.”

The left back made five starts for Panama’s U-20 squad in the 2018 Concacaf U-20 Championship and helped lead Panama’s backline, which allowed only three goals to win Group D and advance to the qualification stage. Panama then finished second in Group H to qualify for the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup which will take place this May in Poland.

During the 2018-19 season, Benítez made six starts in the Panamanian Football League for Plaza Amador, including his professional debut Aug. 11, 2018.

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