SSFC Spotlight: George Bello trusted to perform on massive stage

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports Gregg Berhalter’s starting lineup for the final of the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup featured several surprises, perhaps none as unexpected as George Bello at left back. The 19-year-old Atlanta United defender was tasked with shutting down Orbelín Pineda and Luis Rodríguez, a job that was performed with the precision of a veteran. The back line was able to maintain a shutout, an eye-opening match for several players on the bubble for call-ups during World Cup qualifying.

Bello was born in Abuja, Nigeria, after which his family moved to Georgia. Growing up, he played with Southern Soccer Academy and the Alpharetta Ambush, while also going on trial with Everton and…