GREENVILLE, S.C. – Former Furman goalkeeper Alec Kann of Sporting Kansas City FC was selected by Atlanta United FC in the fifth round of the Major League Soccer Expansion Draft on Tuesday afternoon.

“It’s great to have Alec selected by Atlanta and possibly have the chance to play in front of friends, family and former teammates in his home state,” said Paladin head coach Doug Allison. “We always enjoy following our guys in MLS like Alec, Clint Dempsey, Ricardo Clark, Shea Salinas and Walker Zimmerman. They all represent Furman and our soccer program well.”

A standout for the Paladins from 2008-11, Kann helped Furman to a share of the 2010 Southern Conference regular season title and an at-large bid to the 2011 NCAA tournament. The Decatur, Ga., native garnered first team All-SoCon honors and first team NSCAA All-South Region accolades in 2011 after being named second team All-SoCon in 2010.

Kann posted a 1.03 goals against average in 64 career starts for the Paladins and was twice named to the NSCAA Scholar Athlete All-South squad. His 18 shutouts rank sixth in Furman history.

After being signed by the USL’s Charleston Battery in 2012 following his career as a Paladin, Kann joined the MLS’ Chicago Fire in 2013. He spent time on loan with the Charlotte Eagles and Saint Louis FC while making just one MLS appearance with the Fire. Sporting Kansas City selected Kann in stage one of the 2015 MLS Re-Entry Draft and the 6-foot-4, left-footed keeper made seven appearances with his club this past season.

Atlanta United is set to begin its first season in MLS in 2017.