COLUMBUS, Oh — Forward Evangelo Spartiatis was one of the highlights of the Atlanta United U-19 Academy team, leading the squad in goals with 10 goals in 18 games. Originally born in Illinois, Spartiatis played with the Greek side POAK FC before relocating to Marietta, Ga., and joining Atlanta United’s academy. Now, Spartiatis is on the move again and has joined Columbus Crew SC’s academy.
Spartiatis announced on Twitter he was leaving United’s academy on Sept. 20. A week later, he tweeted that he had joined the Columbus Crew. A club spokesperson confirmed he had joined the Crew’s academy, not the first team.
Spartiatis has also played for the U.S. Developmental Academy’s U-18/19 team. He was in attendance for the Crew’s final home game of the season against the Philadelphia Union.
Atlanta United did not return a request for comment. Academy players are not under any first team contracts, so Columbus does not owe Atlanta any compensation.