When Tito Villalba departed San Lorenzo and joined Atlanta United as its first designated player, he left behind a club that he had grown up with, first watching as a child growing up in Buenos Aires’ Villa 1-11-14 neighborhood and then joining its academy as a ten-year-old. After being promoted to the senior team and spending four seasons there, he made history as Atlanta’s first-ever DP.
What a decision it was.
Villalba quickly became a cornerstone player for Atlanta in its inaugural season, being known for his speed out wide and his blistering goals. He finished the regular season tied for seventh in assists and, while not a consistent goal threat, still finished with double digits in that category.