CINCINNATI – FC Cincinnati has acquired defender Greg Garza from Atlanta United in exchange for $200,000 in General Allocation Money and $250,000 in Targeted Allocation Money. Garza, 27, comes to FC Cincinnati after spending each of the last two seasons with Atlanta United.
Garza will occupy a domestic roster spot on Cincinnati’s 2019 MLS roster.
The Grapevine, Texas, native is the first player with senior U.S. Men’s National Team experience to be acquired by FC Cincinnati in the club’s history.
“We are thrilled to add someone with Greg’s soccer pedigree to our backline for next season,” FC Cincinnati Head Coach Alan Koch said. “He has played at the highest level of soccer in the United States and Mexico and has been a key component of his team at every stop. We look forward to what Greg will bring to our group on and off the pitch next season.”
In two seasons with Atlanta United, Garza totaled 37 appearances, including 35 starts, scored three goals and added eight assists. He also started all five of Atlanta’s 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs matches as the club captured its first-ever MLS Cup title. The defender was voted to the 2017 MLS All-Star Roster via the All-Star Fan XI.
The defender has 10 caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team since making his debut in 2014. He was named to the USMNT’s 2015 Gold Cup Roster and made one appearance in a group stage match against Haiti on July 11, 2015.
Garza’s professional career began in 2010, when he signed with GD Estoril Praia of Portugal’s second division. He made a combined four appearances over the course of the 2010-11 season. After the conclusion of the season, he was transferred to LIGA MX side Club Tijuana, where he played for the next six seasons. From 2011-17, Garza made a combined 84 appearances, including 60 starts, and scored three goals. The defender also spent time on loan during the 2015-16 LIGA MX season with Club Atlas, where he made a combined five appearances, all starts.
The next time Cincinnati takes the field, it will be as MLS’ 24th team in 2019 when the club debuts in the top professional league in the U.S. and Canada. Season tickets for the 2019 season are now on sale at fccincinnati.com/tickets.
For up-to-the-minute information about FC Cincinnati, visit the team’s official website at fccincinnati.com, or follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @FCCincinnati. For more information about FC Cincinnati tickets - including 2019 season tickets - call 513-977-KICK (5425) or visit fccincinnati.com/tickets.
Transaction: FC Cincinnati acquired D Greg Garza from Atlanta United in exchange for $200,000 in General Allocation Money and $250,000 in Targeted Allocation Money on Dec. 11, 2018.
GREG GARZA
Position: Defender
Height: 5-8
Weight: 154
Birthdate: August 16, 1991
Birthplace: Grapevine, Texas
Hometown: Grapevine, Texas
Last Club: Atlanta United (MLS)
Nationality: United States
MLS Roster Status: Domestic Player
Twitter: @gmgarza4
How Acquired: Via trade from Atlanta United in exchange for $200,000 in General Allocation Money and $250,000 in Targeted Allocation Money on Dec. 11, 2018.
