A. Gordon Atlanta United Forward 27 Profile and Career Highlights
Let’s talk Ashton Gordon—Atlanta United’s young forward who’s making some noise. At just 18, Gordon’s already catching eyes, wearing number 27 after climbing up from the academy to the club’s second team. The kid just brings something different every time he’s out there. You can see the attacking instincts, the spark—Atlanta’s fans have reason to be curious about what’s next.
He’s a Jamaican youth international and really turned heads in the academy, playing above his age and putting together a four-goal stretch in the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs. That jump from academy to Atlanta United 2? It set the bar high for what he might pull off when the lights get even brighter.
Here’s a quick look at Gordon’s stats with Atlanta United 2:
| Season | Appearances | Starts | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 16 | 5 | 1 |
Want more on Gordon’s journey? Check out Atlanta United’s official player profile.
Contents
A. Gordon: Atlanta United Forward
A. Gordon’s a young forward, and he’s already showing flashes at Atlanta United. He came up through the club’s academy, bringing a little extra edge and a lot of versatility up front.
Player Profile
Ashton Gordon—A. Gordon for short—is a 5’7″ forward rocking the number 27 for Atlanta United. Born April 14, 2007, in Decatur, Georgia, he’s eligible to represent Jamaica or the US.
Since signing with Atlanta United 2 in early 2024, Gordon’s shown potential with sharp movement and nice ball control. At 17, he’s one of the youngest on the roster.
The club lists him as a right winger and forward, which means he needs to be quick and aware. Fans are already talking about what he could mean for Atlanta United’s future in MLS.
Career Overview
Gordon started at Atlanta United’s Academy in 2019. He moved up fast, standing out at the youth level.
By 2024, he made it to Atlanta United 2 and started getting minutes in MLS NEXT Pro. That’s not easy for a teenager.
In 2024, he played in 16 matches, starting five. He wasn’t the main scorer, but he did bag a goal and gave the team something steady in attack.
He’s also played for Jamaica’s U-17s, so he’s getting international looks too. Back in his U-16 days, he led the team to an MLS NEXT Cup title and scored four goals in the playoffs. That’s the kind of stat line that gets people talking.
| Season | Team | Appearances | Starts | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Atlanta United 2 | 16 | 5 | 1 |
| 2023 | Atlanta U-16/U-17 | — | — | 4* |
*MLS NEXT Cup playoff rounds
Key Attributes
Gordon’s speed and dribbling? That’s what jumps out. He’s quick with or without the ball, and defenders don’t have an easy time keeping up.
He finds space in the box, gets on the end of crosses, and isn’t shy about making runs.
Gordon works well both wide and through the middle. He uses his agility to carve out shooting chances or set up teammates. You can see the game sense—he moves into space, opens up attacks.
He’s still growing as a finisher, but his work rate and technical ability put him in good spots. Some folks compare him to other homegrown MLS guys, but he’s got his own thing going on. He’s more about movement and link-up play, not quite like Alan Gordon or Aaron Gordon from other sports.
For Atlanta United, A. Gordon is a forward who wants to make his mark in MLS for years to come.
Performance in the 2025 MLS Season
A. Gordon, listed as a forward, spent the season developing and doing a lot of defensive work. He got regular minutes in MLS matches, though his name didn’t show up much on the scoresheet.
Goals and Assists
Gordon didn’t score or assist in the 2025 MLS season, according to the stats. The goals weren’t there this year, and he didn’t register any assists either.
Most of his contributions came in the buildup—holding possession, pressing high, and working hard off the ball. You won’t see it in the points column, but coaches noticed his role in transitions.
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Points (pts) | 0 |
| Games (gm) | See below |
Appearances and Minutes Played
Gordon stayed in the mix for Atlanta United all season. He played in several matches in March and April 2025, including games against FC Cincinnati and Carolina Core FC.
The staff kept turning to him for his energy and discipline. He started some games and came off the bench in others, so his total appearances added up.
Most of those were league matches, and he always brought something off the ball. The exact minutes aren’t out there, but the pattern shows he was a regular part of the squad.
| Match Date | Opponent | Result | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 22, 2025 | FC Cincinnati | N/A | Played |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Carolina Core FC | 2-16 Loss | Played |
| Apr 27, 2025 | FC Cincinnati | 0-2 Loss | Played |
Notable Matches
Gordon played in that wild 2-16 loss to Carolina Core FC on April 23, 2025—definitely a game to remember, though maybe for the wrong reasons. He also suited up against FC Cincinnati, both at home and away, but those ended in losses too.
Even when the results didn’t go Atlanta’s way, Gordon kept pressing and supporting his teammates. Sometimes he started, sometimes he came in off the bench, but the coaches leaned on his tactical awareness. He faced some tough games, but he kept his head up and kept working.
Statistical Highlights
His numbers for 2025 show a season focused on gaining experience and putting in defensive shifts. No goals, no assists, and no points, but he pressed well and covered a lot of ground.
He played through losses and draws—no wins during his appearances in the big matches. The team had it rough, but Gordon brought stability and effort every time.
You can find more details in his match logs and stats on the Atlanta United site and Transfermarkt.
Contributions to Atlanta United
Ashton Gordon’s impact on Atlanta United isn’t just about goals. He brings skill up front and sets a standard for younger guys around him.
Role in Team Tactics
Gordon plays up top, usually on the right, but he can shift central when needed. His burst of speed stretches defenses and opens up lanes for teammates—he’s a real option when Atlanta wants to hit on the counter.
When Atlanta presses high, Gordon’s effort stands out. He gets after defenders and forces mistakes.
Here’s a snapshot of his 2024 stats for Atlanta United 2:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 16 |
| Starts | 5 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | Not listed |
| Position(s) | Forward/RW |
Gordon’s ability to play different roles up front gives Atlanta United tactical options. Coaches have used him as a winger and as a center forward, depending on the matchup.
His off-ball movement pulls defenders out and opens passing lanes for the midfield. That’s not something you always see in the box score, but it matters.
Leadership and Influence
Even at 18, Gordon’s story from the academy to Atlanta United 2 sets a tone for the next wave of talent. Coaches notice how hard he trains and how he challenges older players.
He played up with the U-17s and led the U-16s in scoring at the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup playoffs—he leads by example.
Gordon’s work rate lifts his teammates. He’s the type to encourage others and keep the locker room together. He’s not wearing the captain’s armband yet, but you can see why people respect him.
His focus and attitude? Those are MVP qualities, honestly.
You can read more about his background through his official Atlanta United profile.
Noteworthy Moments and Recognition
A. Gordon’s run with Atlanta United already features some moments that make you pay attention. He’s making an impression both on the field and in the community.
Season Highlights
Ashton Gordon spent 2024 with Atlanta United 2, earning five starts in 16 games and finding the net in some big spots. The 17-year-old forward scored against Huntsville City FC, cutting the deficit and showing he knows where to be at the right time.
Here’s how his 2024 numbers stack up:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 16 |
| Starts | 5 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Minutes Played | 630+ |
His consistency and timing started to get noticed by the coaches, and he landed an MLS roster spot for January 2025. Gordon’s instincts in front of goal are giving Atlanta United fans something to look forward to.
You can dig into his recent season on the Atlanta United player profile.
Media Day and Public Appearances
Off the field, Gordon’s started to show up more too. He took part in Atlanta United’s media day events in October and January, coming across as a calm, team-first guy with a solid work ethic.
After his promotion to the senior roster in January, he attended club events, did interviews, answered fan questions, and jumped into team promos. Those public appearances are raising his profile with the club and in the soccer community.
He’s getting more comfortable in front of the camera, and that confidence matches what he’s showing on the pitch. For more on his off-field activities, check out his official club news.
Comparisons and Connections
A. Gordon’s career invites comparisons to other athletes with the same last name and to the broader impact of football leagues worldwide. These connections just add another layer to his story with Atlanta United.
Similarities to Aaron Gordon and Alan Gordon
Alright, folks, let’s get this out of the way—A. Gordon isn’t related to either Aaron Gordon from the NBA or Alan Gordon from MLS. Still, that last name? It just invites the comparisons, doesn’t it?
Aaron Gordon has built a reputation on the hardwood for his high-flying dunks and his versatility, while Alan Gordon’s made his mark in MLS with clutch goals and a knack for shaking things up late in matches.
A. Gordon, much like those two, steps into the forward role where agility and composure really count. He makes the most of his chances, especially when he’s the new kid on the block. Alan and A. Gordon both show off resilience during tough matches, and their work ethic is something coaches value.
| Name | Sport | Primary Role | Club/Team | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Gordon | NBA | Forward | Denver Nuggets | Athleticism, Dunks |
| Alan Gordon | MLS | Forward | LA Galaxy (notable) | Clutch Goals, Late Subs |
| Ashton Gordon | MLS | Forward | Atlanta United | Youth, Versatility |
Perseverance, adaptability, and the ability to make an impact—these traits run through all their games. When coaches call on A. Gordon or Alan Gordon in those crucial moments, you can bet they’ll answer.
Influence of Other Football Leagues
A. Gordon’s journey shows how American soccer draws from all over the map. He, like a lot of young MLS talent, looks up to clubs like Liverpool and the English Premier League for inspiration. Those clubs know how to turn out creative attackers and strong forwards.
MLS has borrowed plenty from Europe. You see it in the way teams set up their academies and shape their training. Atlanta United follows that script, taking notes from clubs in Germany, England, and Spain while developing young guys like A. Gordon.
The youth system puts a spotlight on technical ability and tactical smarts—just like those European academies.
International tournaments and club friendlies? Those give players a taste of different styles. A. Gordon’s time with Atlanta United 2 throws him into the mix with all kinds of approaches, helping him grow and adapt.
That blend of influences? It’s a big reason MLS players can compete at a high level, whether they’re at home or headed abroad.
Career Highlights Outside Atlanta United
Before Atlanta United, Ashton Gordon put in the work and picked up valuable experience as a forward. Those early pro opportunities built a base for his MLS journey.
Previous Clubs and Achievements
Gordon played for Atlanta United 2, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate. He got on the field for 16 matches in the 2024 season, starting five of them and scoring twice. He chipped in with some key assists, too.
Here’s a look at his stats with Atlanta United 2:
| Season | Club | Apps | Starts | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Atlanta United 2 | 16 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 604 |
He’s been linked with ambitious soccer cities like Oklahoma City through various development programs, but he hasn’t suited up for the Orlando Magic—yeah, that’s basketball—or played alongside Gyasi Zardes. Gordon’s focus has stayed on soccer, sharpening his game in the developmental leagues before stepping up at Atlanta United, as Atlanta United FC reports.
Connection to Other Sports and Broader Context
A. Gordon’s path as a forward for Atlanta United proves that athletic skills can cross over between sports. Trends in American sports, especially the NBA’s influence, shape how young players approach soccer and other games.
Cross-Sport Comparisons
Soccer forwards like A. Gordon have a lot in common with NBA players. Quick decisions, agility, and spatial awareness matter in both worlds. Whether you’re a soccer forward or an NBA power forward, you’ve gotta read the game, find space, and react fast.
Comparing stats helps put things in perspective. Soccer players track goals and assists, while NBA stars look at rebounds, points per game, and playoff performances. A. Gordon focuses on scoring and helping up front, but someone like Nikola Jokic—Denver Nuggets’ big man—changes games with his passing, rebounding, and playoff leadership.
| Player | Sport | Key Stat (2024 season) | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Gordon | Soccer | 5 starts, 1 goal | Forward |
| Nikola Jokic | NBA | 26.4 PPG, 12.4 REB | PF/Center |
| Golden State Warriors | NBA | 44-38 Record | Team |
Athletes in both sports grind through long seasons and face the pressure of playoffs. That mentality—staying sharp when it counts—really carries over, no matter the game.
Influence of NBA on Soccer Players
The NBA’s not just a basketball league anymore—it’s a massive cultural force, especially for young athletes in other sports. You see tons of soccer players glued to NBA games, following teams like the Denver Nuggets or the Golden State Warriors.
They admire NBA stars for their drive and the way they attack the playoffs. It’s not just about the highlight reels; it’s the grit, the late-night practices, the bounce-back after a tough loss.
NBA training and recovery routines have started showing up in soccer academies. Players like A. Gordon actually use some of those basketball warm-up drills and off-field training tricks.
Soccer athletes now pay more attention to nutrition and rest—almost mimicking what NBA players do to survive those grueling seasons. Why not borrow from the best, right?
Clubs like Atlanta United push their academy players to watch NBA games and soak in the mental prep of guys like Nikola Jokic. That playoff mindset, the do-or-die energy, really fires up soccer players to bring their best when the stakes go up.
