Season tickets surpass 27,000

Atlanta United has sold more than 27,000 season tickets with 5½ weeks remaining before the season-opening game against New York Red Bulls at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Club President Darren Eales revealed the total Thursday at IMG Academy, where the team is holding preseason training.

“It says that Atlanta is a sports city and that Atlanta loves soccer,” Eales said. “You can’t argue with it.”

The sales total would place Atlanta United second behind reigning MLS Cup holder Seattle in sales. The league’s average attendance for its 20 teams last season was 21,692.

Eales said the team will likely cap season tickets at 30,000 and that decision will be made within the next two weeks. Those who wish to purchase after the cap is reached will be offered partial season-ticket or game packages.

Eales said there are approximately 9,000 members of the Founder’s Club, of which 77 percent have purchased season tickets.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium will have a capacity of 40,000 for most soccer games, according to Eales. That means the lower bowl and mezzanines will be open and the drapes will be used for the upper bowl. There are some games Eales predicts will surpass 40,000, which will necessitate opening the upper bowl.

Pirez, Walkes signed: Atlanta United confirmed the acquisition of defender Leandro Gonzalez Pirez on Thursday. Pirez, a central defender, comes to the club from Estudiantes in his native of Argentina.

He is the third Argentinian to join the squad as a player along with midfielder/forward Hector Villalba and midfielder Yamil Asad.

Pirez was signed with Targeted Allocation Money. He has already joined the team.

Pirez, 24, is a native of Buenos Aires who made 38 appearances for River Plate from 2011-15. He joined Tigre in 2015-16, making 30 appearances, before signing with Estudiantes, where he made 15 appearances last season.

Atlanta United also added centerhalf Anton Walkes on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

Walkes, 19, is a Discovery Signing with one senior appearance for Spurs, which came in the EFL Cup. He had made several appearances in friendlies.

Walkes, who is 6-feet-2, can play centerhalf or as a defensive midfielder.

Goalie Guzan acquired: A chance to add a player with experience on the U.S. men’s national team as well as with MLS and overseas was too much for Atlanta United to pass up in acquiring goalkeeper Brad Guzan, according to Eales.

Guzan will join the Atlanta side from Middlesbrough this summer. Though he can train with the team as soon as the Premier League season ends, he can’t play until the MLS transfer window opens July 11. Atlanta United will have played more than 19 games, over half of its 34 regular-season matchups, by the time Guzan can mind the net.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for us as a club,” Eales said.

Guzan signed a multiyear deal and financial terms weren’t disclosed. He is a Targeted Allocation Money signing.