Atlanta United 2 has added a local soccer talent to its team for the rest of the season.
The club announced Tuesday that it signed Tyler Ruthven, an Alpharetta native, who has experience playing professional soccer in the United States, Sweden and Finland.
ATL UTD 2 is the United Soccer League affiliate of Atlanta United FC, the city's Major League Soccer team. ATL UTD 2 is in its first season and plays its home games at Gwinnett County's Coolray Field, which is also home to the Gwinnett Stripers, an Atlanta Braves affiliate.
“We are happy to add Tyler to our group and bring him back to Atlanta,” ATL UTD 2 head coach Scott Donnelly said in a statement. “He is a proven centerback with experience, maturity and technique. Tyler’s presence will no doubt add a valuable element to our team and club.”
Ruthven, 30, previously played for the Atlanta Silverbacks in 2011, making 27 appearances. The veteran defender has also played in the U.S. for the Harrisburg City Islanders, the New York Red Bulls, the Jacksonville Armada and Arizona United. He most recently played for Miami F.C.
He will wear jersey No. 2 with ATL UTD 2.
Sports runs in Ruthven’s family. His dad is former Braves pitcher Dick Ruthven, who won 23 games for them from 1976 through 1978.
Ruthven played his high school soccer at Roswell and Milton high schools, then played in college at the University of San Francisco before transferring to South Carolina.
ATL UTD 2’s next home game is Aug. 22 vs. FC Cincinnati. Their final game of the season is Oct. 13 vs. the Richmond Kickers.
Like North Fulton County News Now on Facebook | Follow on Twitter
MORE...
About the Author
