Atlanta takes Greg Garza on loan from Tijuana

Atlanta United announced Friday that the expansion side had acquired defender Greg Garza from LIGA MX side Tijuana on a one-year loan.

Texas-born Garza, 25, joins the MLS' 21st side after Gerardo Martino's lot made a move for the full-back by nabbing his Discovery Priority from the Columbus Crew in exchange for a conditional second-round 2018 MLS SuperDraft pick.

The club announced the move with a statement on its website, with president Darren Eales adding, "Greg has represented the United States on several occasions and we're thrilled to be able to add a player of his quality.

"In addition to his caps at the international level, Greg has experienced top-level competition in Liga MX. To continue to attract players with his international background is a great sign for our club."

Despite being born in northeast Texas, Garza has spent the brunt of his career playing overseas, most notably as part of Sporting CP's celebrated youth academy, and later with 2012 Apertura winner Tijuana.

While with Los Xolos, Garza made 84 appearances including six in the CONCACAF Champions League and four in Copa Libertadores.

Capped nine times by the United States, Garza's two-way play should help Atlanta in its maiden top-flight voyage.

"Greg is a quality left-back whose profile fits in nicely with our style of play," Atlanta's technical director Carlos Bocanegra added. "He has the ability to get up-and-down the line to contribute to both sides of the ball, and his experience in Mexico, along with the U.S. National Team, brings another quality dimension to our team."

Garza becomes the second Tijuana player to join an MLS side on a one-year deal after Juninho agreed to join the Chicago Fire on Friday.