When Efrain Morales signed his Homegrown contract with Atlanta United in 2020, there was a clause included that his parents very much wanted.
In addition to paying Morales’ salary, the contract includes a stipend that would pay for Morales’ college education.
“I think education is important,” he said. “I think it helps you be a more well-rounded person....
“And my parents didn’t make it a choice.”
Morales laughed at the recollection. But he is taking his studies seriously. While a professional soccer player, Morales is halfway into earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration, majoring in finance, from Georgia Tech.
This semester, Morales is taking a class in computer science, and another focused on information systems. He typically takes 2-3 classes per semester, which is all he has time for. He estimates he has six semesters remaining.
Information systems is in-person, two times a week, 90 minutes a class. It also has 4-5 hours of homework each week. The computer science course is virtual, but the class and homework time are the same.
That’s 16 hours a week spent on academics.
And then there’s his job, which is paying for the academics. It’s 5-6 hours per day, not including time spent traveling to games, and game time.
Morales’ soccer is his priority, which is why he doesn’t take more classes.
“I try to do my best to not let it affect how I am on the field,” he said. “Some days, I get to training and I’m like, ‘I’ve got to finish this assignment when I get back home.’ But for the most part, I feel like I’ve been able to balance it pretty well.”
The biggest challenge Morales’ faces is he’s running out of online classes, which are good for him because he can work them into his busy schedule. Morales is having conversation with the institute to see what is possible.
“Hopefully, I can continue to get the degree,” he said.
Atlanta United manager Ronny Deila, who earned a degree in teaching when he was playing in Norway, said he is rooting for Morales.
“I think it’s good to have something else to think about,” Deila said. “Use that time there instead of sitting playing PlayStation. I think sometimes it’s better to develop yourself and make yourself ready. I don’t think I would be standing here now, if I didn’t do that job when I was playing. I think that’s very positive.”
Once earned, Morales said he hopes to get into sports investment banking. Morales’ father is an entrepreneur.
“Ultimately, the connections made while I’m playing soccer, hopefully I can translate that finance degree into the soccer world and that is my goal,” he said. “I love soccer. That is truly like first and foremost. So obviously, hopefully I can use the two together.”
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Atlanta United’s 2025 schedule
Feb. 22 Atlanta United 3, Montreal 2
March 1 Charlotte 2, Atlanta United 0
March 8 Atlanta United 0, New York Red Bulls 0
March 16 vs. Miami, 7 p.m., Apple
March 22 at Cincinnati, 2:30 p.m., Apple
March 29 vs. NYCFC, 7:30 p.m., Apple
April 5 vs. Dallas, 7:30 p.m., Apple
April 12 vs. New England, 2:30 p.m., Apple, Fox
April 19 at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m., Apple
April 26 at Orlando, 7 p.m., Apple, Fox
May 3 vs. Nashville, 2:30 p.m., Apple, Fox
May 10 at Chicago, 2:30 p.m., Apple
May 14 at Austin, 8:30 p.m., Apple
May 17 vs. Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m., Apple
May 25 vs. Cincinnati, 7 p.m., Apple
May 28 vs. Orlando, 7:30 p.m., Apple
May 31 at Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m., Apple
June 12 at NYCFC, 7:30 p.m., Apple
June 25 at Columbus, 7:30 p.m., Apple
June 28 at Miami, 7:30 p.m., Apple
July 5 at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m., Apple
July 12 at Toronto, 7:30 p.m., Apple
July 16 vs. Chicago, 7:30 p.m., Apple, FS1
July 19 vs. Charlotte, 7:30 p.m., Apple
July 26 vs. Seattle, 7:30 p.m., Apple
July 30 vs. Necaxa, Leagues Cup
Aug. 2. vs. Pumas in Orlando, Leagues Cup
Aug. 6 vs. Atlas, Leagues Cup
Aug. 9 at Montreal, 7:30 p.m., Apple
Aug. 16 at Colorado, 9:30 p.m., Apple
Aug. 24 vs. Toronto, 5 p.m., Apple
Aug. 30 at Nashville, 8:30 p.m. Apple
Sept. 13 vs. Columbus, 7:30 p.m., Apple
Sept. 20 vs. San Diego, 4:30 p.m., Apple
Sept. 27 at New England, 7:30 p.m., Apple
Oct. 5 at LAFC, 10:30 p.m., Apple
Oct. 18 vs. D.C. United, 6 p.m., Apple
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