N. Cobb Atlanta United Defender 24 Key Player Analysis and Season Overview
Noah Cobb, wearing number 24, has grown from Atlanta United’s academy system into a reliable defender for their first team. You know, he’s not flashy, but his steady presence at the back really stands out. Cobb’s journey from the U-12 squad to Major League Soccer is a testament to just how far hard work and focus can take a young player.
He’s quietly become a backbone for Atlanta United’s defense, giving them both depth and stability.
Cobb’s style? It’s all about composure. At just 19, he’s already playing like a seasoned pro, clocking minutes and earning the trust of coaches and teammates. Atlanta fans have started paying close attention—Cobb’s development is a story you want to keep an eye on as he earns more starts and grows into larger roles. You can check out his stats and career details on his player profile.
Contents
Profile of Noah Cobb
Noah Cobb is an American soccer player, suiting up as a defender with the number 24 for Atlanta United. He’s a homegrown talent who signed a pro contract and quickly found his way into the first team as a center back.
Early Life and Background
Noah Cobb was born July 20, 2005, in Tennessee. He started off playing youth soccer with Chattanooga FC before joining the Atlanta United Academy back in 2016.
From the jump, Cobb showed solid defensive instincts and a sharp understanding of the game. He really stood out for his maturity and tactical awareness, even as a kid.
He became a key player for Atlanta United’s U-14 squad, helping them win a major youth tournament. That steady rise through the academy ranks paved the way for his professional career.
Professional Contract and Homegrown Player Status
Atlanta United spotted Cobb’s potential and offered him his first professional contract. By 2022, he had signed a short-term deal and then officially became a homegrown player for Atlanta United starting January 1, 2023.
The club valued his development in their academy and saw him as a future first-team regular. That homegrown status lets Atlanta United keep him on the roster with some flexibility and invest in his growth for the long haul.
Those early pro appearances gave Cobb some much-needed experience and put him on track to become a regular contributor.
Playing Position: Defender and Center Back
Cobb lines up mainly at center back, where he organizes the defense and shuts down opposing attacks. He’s 1.85 meters tall, so he’s got a real edge in the air and is tough to beat on set pieces.
He’s comfortable with the ball at his feet and knows how to start plays from the back. Coaches trust Cobb to anchor the defense and show leadership—even at his age.
His style fits Atlanta United’s focus on building from the back and controlling possession.
Noah Cobb 2024 Season Statistics
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Age | 19 |
| Position | Center Back |
| Club | Atlanta United |
| Appearances | Regular starter (MLS) |
| Height | 1.85 m |
Atlanta United FC Career
Noah Cobb’s time with Atlanta United FC really shows off his steady rise, consistent development, and growing presence in Major League Soccer. He’s one of Atlanta’s top homegrown players, making big contributions every season.
Joining Atlanta United and the First Team
Cobb got his start with Atlanta United after impressing at Chattanooga FC and then excelling in the Atlanta United Academy. He joined the U-12 squad and moved up fast thanks to his disciplined defending and leadership.
In March 2022, Cobb signed his first pro contract with Atlanta United 2. Coaches clearly believed in his future. He showed maturity beyond his years, earning regular minutes with the reserve team before making the leap to the first team.
On January 1, 2023, Cobb officially became a homegrown player for Atlanta United. That promotion brought fresh energy and defensive depth to the squad—especially important with the grind of an MLS season.
MLS Appearances and Contributions
Since joining Atlanta United’s first team, Cobb has carved out an important role on the back line. Wearing number 24, he’s been called up in high-pressure moments and brings a calm presence you don’t see every day from a 19-year-old.
He’s started and played full matches, showing just how much the coaching staff trusts him. Cobb works well with fellow defenders, often partnering with more experienced center backs.
His positioning, aerial ability, and willingness to block shots earn him consistent minutes. These efforts help Atlanta United stay solid during transitions and cover for injuries or lineup changes.
Cobb’s MLS starts have included matches against some real heavyweights, and he’s played all 90 minutes in those contests. He’s adapted to the league’s speed and intensity, and his work rate jumps off the stat sheet.
Goals and Defensive Statistics
Cobb’s main job as a center back is to keep goals out, not score them. He hasn’t found the net yet for the first team, but he’s racked up clearances, blocks, and interceptions.
Here’s a quick look at his stats as of the 2025 MLS season:
| Statistic | MLS 2023 | MLS 2024 | MLS 2025 (to date) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 14 | 26 | 12 |
| Starts | 12 | 24 | 11 |
| Goals | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Clearances | 34 | 61 | 22 |
| Interceptions | 17 | 29 | 13 |
| Tackles | 19 | 36 | 14 |
These numbers show just how much Cobb means to Atlanta United’s defensive efforts. He blocks attacks, reads the game well, and always has the goalkeeper’s back.
Development in Atlanta United 2
Noah Cobb’s rise through Atlanta United’s ranks shows real maturity and a knack for adjusting quickly to tougher competition. His academy background and match time with Atlanta United 2 set him up for a smooth jump to pro soccer.
Progression from Atlanta United Academy
Cobb came into Atlanta United’s Academy as a U-12 player, already showing promise. He moved up through the age groups, earning a reputation for strong defending and sharp awareness.
Coaches praised his work ethic and ability to read the game. That set him apart from other academy players.
Cobb signed his first pro contract with Atlanta United 2 on March 23, 2022. He became a Homegrown player with the club as of January 1, 2023. That move really highlighted his growth and the club’s commitment to developing young talent.
His progress in the Academy made him a perfect fit for more competitive matches with Atlanta United 2 and, eventually, MLS NEXT Pro.
MLS NEXT Pro Experience
Playing for Atlanta United 2, Cobb locked down a regular starting spot at center back. In the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season, he started 18 matches—talk about consistency.
He showed tactical awareness, made strong tackles, and displayed leadership at the back. Cobb even chipped in with three goals, showing versatility and an ability to make an impact on both ends.
The club trusted him with big minutes against tough opponents. Here’s a quick look at his 2023 Atlanta United 2 stats:
| Season | Appearances | Starts | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 18 | 18 | 3 |
Those performances helped him get ready for MLS action and cemented his place as an important piece of Atlanta United’s development system. For more on his time with Atlanta United 2, check out this detailed club profile.
Notable Matches and Competitions
Noah Cobb has already proven his value for Atlanta United, especially in big cup and league matches. He’s faced some tough teams and stepped up in high-pressure moments.
U.S. Open Cup Appearances
Cobb made his U.S. Open Cup debut as a teenager, showing poise well beyond his years. He played a key defensive role during Atlanta United’s 2023 Open Cup run, taking on veteran forwards and holding his own.
In these knockout games, Cobb’s strengths included clearances and sharp positioning. He stopped quick counterattacks and helped Atlanta United keep possession in tight games.
He completed a high percentage of his passes, making him a reliable link between the backline and midfield.
U.S. Open Cup 2023 Stats (Selected Matches):
| Match | Minutes Played | Clearances | Interceptions | Passing % | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs. Memphis 901 | 90 | 4 | 2 | 91 | 2-0 W |
| vs. Charleston | 89 | 5 | 1 | 88 | 1-1 (5-4 L) |
His steady play in the tournament raised his profile as a dependable option in big moments.
USL Championship Games
Before joining Atlanta United’s first team, Cobb played with Atlanta United 2 in the USL Championship. He got valuable experience against seasoned pros, making eleven appearances in the 2021 season.
At just 16, Cobb started regularly, handling physically demanding games and learning to read the action. Against top USL teams, his clearances and timely tackles kept his side in the fight.
These league games were huge for his development. Coaches noticed how well he communicated with older teammates and how much he improved over the season, which led to his professional contract in March 2022.
Key Matches Against Chattanooga FC and Mexico
Cobb’s youth career featured some big games against Chattanooga FC, his hometown club. These academy and friendly matchups were intense and gave him a chance to show off his defensive instincts against familiar faces.
In international youth tournaments, Cobb faced teams from Mexico, which brought new styles and tactics. Those matches forced him to make quick decisions and adjust to fast-paced attacks.
Highlights included key stops near the penalty area and holding possession under pressure. These experiences helped shape Cobb into a more well-rounded defender, ready for both domestic and international competition.
Defensive Partnerships and Squad Integration
Noah Cobb’s rise as a defender really hinges on how well he fits with his teammates. His chemistry with senior center backs and his ability to adapt within Atlanta United’s back line are huge for his continued growth.
Working with Stian Gregersen and Luis Abram
Noah Cobb’s stepped into key roles next to veterans like Stian Gregersen and Luis Abram. Every partnership? It’s got its own flavor—different strengths, different headaches.
Gregersen, working his way back from injury, brings leadership and a steady hand. That kind of presence helps Cobb figure out where to be and when to make his move during matches.
When Abram heads off for national team duty, it opens up spots in the lineup. Cobb’s filled those gaps, showing if he’s ready for prime time or not.
He’s got to stay in sync with Gregersen and Abram, especially when things get frantic or the pressure’s on. Communication’s everything back there.
Take a look at this table—just the basics—showing how Atlanta United’s main center backs stacked up defensively last season:
| Player | Tackles/Game | Interceptions/Game | Clearances/Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noah Cobb | 2.1 | 1.0 | 3.4 |
| Stian Gregersen | 2.3 | 1.2 | 4.0 |
| Luis Abram | 2.0 | 1.1 | 3.6 |
Cobb’s numbers? Right in the mix with the vets. That says a lot about his dependability, especially as the team juggles a long season.
Collaboration with Derrick Williams
Now, Derrick Williams brings a whole different vibe to the back line. He’s physical, he’s loud—he’s the kind of guy who keeps everyone honest.
When Cobb lines up next to Williams, he usually gets a little more freedom to push forward and help build the attack. Williams has played in a few leagues and works hard, which takes some of the heat off Cobb during busy stretches.
They’ve got their jobs down: Williams handles the big, bruising battles in the air, while Cobb keeps an eye on the play and steps in when it matters.
This setup lets Atlanta United rotate players without losing their edge defensively. Having a few dependable center backs means they can tweak the lineup or tactics anytime.
If you want to dig deeper into Cobb’s role, check out his club profile.
Recognition and Career Achievements
Noah Cobb’s story? It’s classic—he’s worked his way up from Atlanta United’s youth teams and now he’s making his mark with the first team.
Awards and Honors in MLS
Since Cobb joined the main squad, he’s shown real composure for a young center back. Sure, he hasn’t snagged any huge league awards yet, but people around the club notice how steady he is. Atlanta United’s technical staff trusts him and likes his leadership at the back.
Cobb’s played for the U.S. at the U-19 level, which bodes well for future call-ups. He’s getting more minutes, and you can see him getting better at one-on-ones and reading the game.
Career Stats Table
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Atlanta United 2 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Atlanta United | 16* | 0 | 1 |
*2023 stats are rough—he could rack up more as the year rolls on.
Championship Success
Cobb hasn’t lifted an MLS Cup with Atlanta United—at least not yet. The team’s stayed in the hunt in the East, and Cobb’s getting more involved. You never know, right?
He picked up some battle scars with Atlanta United 2 in the USL Championship. Those tight matches gave him a taste of high-pressure soccer.
Atlanta United’s built a path from the youth teams to the senior squad, and Cobb’s followed it. As he sees more action, he’s staying focused on helping the club chase that elusive trophy.
You can find more about his journey and recent games on his Atlanta United profile or his Transfermarkt player page.
Season Schedule and Columbus Crew Encounters
Cobb’s in for a tough run as Atlanta United grinds through a packed MLS schedule. Games against big Eastern Conference rivals—especially Columbus Crew—are going to put the defense under the spotlight.
How will Cobb handle the challenge? That’s something fans and coaches alike can’t wait to see. Check out the defensive unit for more insights.
Key Fixtures and Rivalries
Alright, folks, let’s talk about Atlanta United’s 2025 regular season. There’s plenty of drama on the schedule, but the matchups with Columbus Crew? Those are the ones you circle in red.
The first showdown lands on June 25, 2025, at Lower.com Field. Columbus Crew sits up in 4th, Atlanta United’s down at 13th. That’s quite the gap, but hey, anything can happen in this league, right?
This game isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a regional rivalry that always gets the blood pumping. Fans are going to see Cobb’s defense go head-to-head with one of the top attacks in the league.
Take a look at the standings before kickoff—here’s how they stack up for that big Columbus Crew clash:
| Team | Position | Stadium | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus Crew | 4th | Lower.com Field | June 25, 2025 |
| Atlanta United | 13th | Away | June 25, 2025 |
These rivalries shape Atlanta United’s season. Cobb’s got to stay sharp, locked in, and ready to battle against some serious competition.
Games like this can make or break a playoff run. They’re also a big deal for Cobb’s growth in Major League Soccer.
