Josh Cohen has made his move back to the United States after several seasons away from his native country.
Cohen signed with Atlanta United on Thursday as a free agent, the Eastern Conference club announced. The veteran shot-stopper signed a two-year contract with the Five Stripes, which includes an option for 2026.
“Josh is someone with a unique career path who has backed himself at every step of his journey,” Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. “He has shown the ability to compete at the highest level in the UEFA Europa League and Champions League. We are pleased to welcome Josh to the club and look forward to him coming in and competing within our goalkeeping group.”
The 31-year-old most recently played with Israeli side Maccabi Haifa, where he won three-consecutive league titles. He was named the Israeli Premier League Player of the Season in 2022-21 and also has six UEFA Champions League appearances under his belt.
In total, Cohen logged 161 appearances for Maccabi Haifa, registering 62 clean sheets. Prior to his move abroad, Cohen played for Sacramento Republic FC, Orange County SC, and Phoenix Rising FC in the USL.
Cohen will compete with veteran Brad Guzan for the No. 1 job in 2024.
Here is a closer look at the recent MLS News:
FC Cincinnati acquires defender Kipp Keller
FC Cincinnati bolstered its defensive ranks on Thursday in the form of former first-round draft pick Kipp Keller.
Keller’s MLS rights were acquired by the Supporters’ Shield winners from Austin FC, both clubs announced. In exchange, Austin FC will receive FC Cincy’s third-round pick in the 2024 MLS Draft.
The 23-year-old signed a one-year contract with FC Cincy, which includes two option years for 2025 and 2026.
“I’d like to welcome Kipp to Cincinnati,” said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager. “We initially identified him before the 2022 draft as a talented young player with great potential. Now, we’re excited to have him join the group, and we look forward to his continued development with FC Cincinnati.”
Keller was the No. 5 overall draft pick by Austin FC in the 2022 MLS Draft. He logged 17 combined appearances for the Western Conference club, as well as 16 appearances in MLS NEXT Pro last season for Austin FC II.
Nashville SC adds speedy winger McKinze Gaines
Nashville SC made its second acquisition this week, adding speed and versatility to its winger pool.
McKinze Gaines has joined the Eastern Conference club in a trade with Charlotte FC, both clubs announced. In exchange for Gaines, Charlotte FC will receive Nashville SC’s natural second round pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft.
“McKinze has the pace to be an absolute goal threat and is a very willing runner who looks to create and finish scoring chances,” said Nashville SC General Manager Mike Jacobs.
Gaines began his professional career in Germany in 2016 before returning to the United States in 2021 to play for his hometown club Austin FC. He was later selected by Charlotte FC in the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft where he registered five goals and five assists across 48 appearances in all competitions.
A former U.S. youth national team player, Gaines will join Gary Smith’s attack which features Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge.
Matt Freese re-signed by NYCFC ahead of 2024 season
NYCFC looked to have locked down its No. 1 goalkeeper for the near future.
Matt Creese signed a contract extension with the Eastern Conference club on Thursday, keeping him in New York through 2026. Freese’s contract includes an option for 2027.
A former U.S. youth national team goalkeeper, Freese joined NYCFC ahead of the 2023 season and logged 14 appearances for the club.
“We’re delighted to have extended Matt’s contract,” NYCFC sporting director David Lee said. “From the day he arrived in preseason, he’s shown tremendous work ethic, dedication and patience, and has made a real impression both in the locker room and on the pitch. He earned his opportunity to start at the end of the 2023 season and quickly showed what a talented goalkeeper he is, and why we were so keen to bring him to the Club.”
The 25-year-old previously made 17 combined appearances for the Philadelphia Union from 2019-22.
Quick Kicks:
- The San Jose Earthquakes added forward Preston Judd in a trade with Cali Clasico rivals LA Galaxy. In exchange for Judd, the Galaxy will receive $200,000 in General Allocation Money. Judd tallied three goals and two assists for the Galaxy in all competitions last season.
- Wilder Cartagena has committed his future to Orlando City after being acquired from Al-Ittihad Kalba FC. A Peruvian international, Cartagena has made 41 combined appearances for the Lions since originally arriving on loan.
- FC Dallas signed homegrown midfielder Alejandro Uruza to a two-year contract through 2025. Uruza made 21 appearances for North Texas SC last season in MLS NEXT Pro.
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