Atlanta United 2 traveled to northern Alabama to take on Nashville’s Next Pro affiliate Huntsville City just hours after the two first teams and Unified Teams battled in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It was a wild match that saw the 2’s initially struggle to gain a foothold, as the opening half-hour was mostly in the hands of Huntsville.
The first goal came from Huntsville City FC winger Jordan Knight from the left side of the box in the 20th minute, slipping just past 2’s keeper, Jayden Hibbert.
With the first half drawing to a close, Damien Barker John delivered a cross that former Atlanta United product Alan Carleton headed home from the center of the box into the top right, doubling Huntsville’s advantage to 2-0.
However, a moment of brilliance from Gabriel Wesseh in the 45th minute saw him strike a shot from outside the box, navigating past three defenders and into the bottom left corner, with Cayman Togashi providing the assist, reducing Huntsville’s lead to 2-1 heading into halftime. This was Wesseh’s second goal in three matches. Gabriel has been a very bright spot throughout his short time receiving minutes with the 2’s, and certainly gives Steve Cooke some decisions at that right wing position.
Riding the momentum of Wesseh’s strike, Atlanta United 2 entered the second half with a clear opportunity to equalize.
With 30 minutes left of regulation time, there weren’t many chances for either team until Salvatore Mazzaferro sent a left-footed shot from inside the box after Cayman Togashi again headed the ball to him in the 61st minute. This was Mazzaferro’s debut goal with Atlanta United 2 after being signed in January – and Togashi’s fifth assist on the season – and it set the 2’s up for the comeback.
The chances dried up from that moment onward, however. Both teams had a combined five attempts in the final 25 minutes, and none of them scored.
Again, the 2’s were sent to a penalty shootout, making it the fifth time in the last seven games. This time, though, they had the momentum on their side.
All five of the 2’s penalty kicks were scored, coming from Javi Armas, Moises Tablante, Rodrigo Neri, Nyk Sessock, and Sal Mazzaferro. Huntsville’s Christian Koffi had his attempt saved, and Atlanta United 2 won the match 2(5)-2(4).
Atlanta United 2 will play against Crown Legacy FC on May 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Fifth Third Stadium in Kennesaw.