Eduard Atuesta

Biography

Eduard Andrés Atuesta Velasco (born 18 June 1997) is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Orlando City. Club career Independiente Medellín Atuesta began his career at Independiente Medellín, playing 44 matches with the Colombian side between 2016 and 2018 and winning the 2016 Categoría Primera A title. Los Angeles FC He signed with Los Angeles FC on a season-long loan deal just weeks before their debut 2018 season. Atuesta made his first appearance with LAFC in the inaugural El Tráfico derby on March 31, 2018, when he was subbed in during a 4–3 away loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy. He made his way into the starting XI for the first time on May 5 against FC Dallas, and scored his first MLS goal the following week in the 31st minute against Minnesota United on May 9, 2018. He was named Man of the Match by the LAFC supporters group, The 3252. Once in the starting lineup, Atuesta solidified his spot, starting all but one league match before spraining his ankle against Philadelphia Union on June 30. On December 13, 2018, the club announced that they had signed Atuesta permanently on a three-year deal. International career Atuesta played for the Colombia under-20 national team at the 2017 South American U-20 Championship. In August 2019, he was called into the Colombia under-23 national team for friendlies against Brazil and Argentina. Personal life Atuesta earned his U.S. green card in February 2019. This status also qualifies him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes.