U.S. U17 Men's National Team forward Diego Lopez has signed a USL Contract with Atlanta United 2, the franchise announced this week.

A native of Chino, California, Lopez joins Atlanta United's USL team after standing out with FC Golden State in the Boys Development Academy. Born in 2002, he's expected to play a prominent role in the 2019 U17 World Cup cycle for the United States, and was called up to the Nike Friendlies in December.

Playing for FC Golden State in the DA since the 2015-16 season, Lopez has scored 22 goals in 43 games, spanning the U13 through U17 age groups. 

"On this very important day I would like to say that I am very humble and blessed by the opportunity to join Atlanta United 2," Lopez said on his Twitter account.

Lopez is the No. 22 ranked player in the 2020 Boys IMG Academy Top 150.

The equalizer! Diego Lopez right place, right time and 🇺🇸 and 🇧🇷 are level!#NikeFriendlies // https://t.co/sEbfFrFoYp pic.twitter.com/0u0jGBVxVt

— U.S. Soccer YNT (@ussoccer_ynt) December 3, 2017