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Garces Signs Homegrown Deal With Atlanta United FC

Jan 10, 2022
Justin Garces (photo: Don Liebig)

ATLANTA – UCLA senior goalkeeper Justin Garces has signed a homegrown contract with Atlanta United FC, the club announced on Monday afternoon.

A native of Miami, Fla., Garces is set to begin his professional career after four standout years at UCLA. A four-year starter, Garces appeared in 57 games as a Bruin and finished with career totals of 10 shutouts, 161 saves, a 1.58 GAA, and .647 save percentage.

"Justin is someone we are very excited about bringing back to the club," said UCLA alumnus and Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra. "We saw the raw talent he had when he came through our Academy and made some appearances at the USL level. He has really progressed over the last four years after playing at a top program like UCLA. He has a great frame and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. We are excited to see him continue his development with our club."

Garces will return to Atlanta United FC after playing for the club's U-19 team during the 2017-18 campaign. He also appeared for Atlanta United 2 in the USL Championship, and played for the US Men's National Team at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The homegrown deal puts him in the Atlanta United system for the 2022 season with options through 2024.

Garces recorded career-bests nearly across the board as a senior in fall 2021, setting personal standards in goals against (15), GAA (1.16), save percentage (.706), and wins (7). His three shutouts were just one off his previous-best, set as a freshman in 2018. Garces was rewarded with an All-Pac-12 Second Team selection after this season.

Stay tuned to @UCLAMSoccer on Twitter for all offseason updates.