Former Mexico player, Seattle assistant named Atlanta coach

By CHARLES ODUM
AP Sports Writer

ATLANTA (AP) — Former Mexican national team player Gonzalo Pineda has been hired as head coach of Atlanta United. His task will be to stabilize a team that’s seen plenty of turnover at the coaching position. But his debut with Atlanta will be delayed because he tested positive for COVID-19 this week. Pineda says he is fully vaccinated. Pineda replaces Gabriel Heinze, who was fired last month. Interim coach Rob Valentino will remain on Pineda’s staff and coach the team for the next two games. Pineda is leaving his job as an assistant with the Seattle Sounders.