Atlanta United 2 draw even in regulation, fall in shootout to Orlando City B

While Atlanta United took on Inter Miami at home, Atlanta United 2 traveled down to central Florida to take on Orlando City B in Orlando.

The match against Orlando started with an energetic attack led by Moises Tablante and Luke Brennan – with Rodrigo Neri and Ronan Wynne putting in a solid shift – but the game was left up to a penalty shootout with Orlando winning 2(4)-2(1). It was a second match for the 2’s epitomized by tons of chance creation, albeit with two goals this time, but the volume of shots didn’t necessarily translate into enough to pull the win.

On January 24th the 2’s announced new signee Moises Tablante, a former player from none other than Orlando City B from 2019-2023. After the game against New York Red Bulls II, Tablante proved himself to be a vital player on the offense for the 2’s as he created multiple chances but was unable to find that final ball. He provided some insight into how his former club would show against the 2’s.

“We got to want it more than today,” said Tablante after the game against New York Red Bulls II. “Over there we have got to be patient and hopefully we will be better.”

Early on in the game, the 2’s were taking shots just outside the box, but couldn’t quite find the back of the net. In the fifth minute, Brennan sent a left-footed attempt from outside the box but was blocked by Javier Otero. That pattern would follow until the 30-minute mark when Brennan was able to sneak the ball into the bottom right corner from close range, making the score 1-0.

Nearing the end of the first half, Orlando retaliated in the 44th minute with a right-footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom right corner by Justin Ellis, tying the game. Then in the 56th minute, they scored again with a right-footed shot from the six-yard box into the top right corner by Shakur Mohammed to take the lead 2-1.

Emerging from a set piece in the 78th minute, Ronan Wynne headed the ball into the top left corner of the goal after a flick by Rodrigo Neri, settling the score 2-2 to send them on to the aforementioned penalty shootout. It marks Wynne’s first ever professional goal.

With a tied game, the penalty shootout started well for the B’s with goals from Colin Guske, Jhon Solís, and Jackson Platts. For Atlanta, both Ryan Carmichael and captain Salvatore Mazzaferro’s penalties missed the target. With a 4-1 penalty shootout, the 2’s walked away with a hard-fought loss and a single point on the day, with only Rodrigo Neri scoring his penalty.

The 2’s will play a tough Chattanooga FC squad on March 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Fifth Third Stadium. Besides the historical moments between the two clubs, Chattanooga FC recently signed former Atlanta United Academy player Daniel Mangarov, so this match will be one to keep an eye on.

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