Garza says he hopes to stay

Fullback Greg Garza said Wednesday he hopes his loan to Atlanta United can be made permanent.

Garza, 25, said he has two years remaining on his contract with Tijuana in Mexico’s first division, but he and his family are enjoying Atlanta.

“You couldn’t ask for much else with what the stadium has offered to all of us and the people behind this team,” he said. “I didn’t know that many Georgians liked soccer, but it’s obvious that so many people are behind this club.”

Garza has started 11 of the team’s 12 games at left fullback. Meanwhile, Tijuana is undergoing changes. Manager Miguel Herrera, who led the team to the playoffs twice, recently accepted the same position at Club America.

Garza also is paying attention to the U.S. men’s national team as it attempts to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Garza currently is an alternate for Bruce Arena’s team, which is training in Denver in advance of Saturday’s friendly against Venezuela at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, and World Cup qualifying games Trinidad and Tobago in Denver on June 8 and at Mexico in Mexico City on June 11.

“We will see what happens,” Garza said. “I don’t want anything bad to happen to anyone there and get close to the main objective, which is Russia, and hopefully win these next two games. Very difficult ones, but I hope they can do their best.

“I think I’ve done well enough this season to put up for a spot on the team, but every coach has their choices. I just have to be ready when my name is called.” — DOUG ROBERSON