Atlanta United 2 traveled up to North Carolina Monday evening to battle Crown Legacy FC in a back and forth match that saw plenty of action. The 2’s burst into the match with an early goal in the 10th minute, as Cayman Togashi finished a Javier Armas assist with a right-footed, insanely difficult flick into the top center of the net.
Cayman Togashi spent the majority of his professional career in Japan before joining Atlanta United in January 2025, amassing 283 appearances with 49 goals and 17 assists across various Japanese clubs. Since signing with Atlanta United, he has featured in two MLS matches and an additional four games for the 2’s in MLS Next Pro, where he now has a goal in addition to his five assists.
The energy was high throughout the first 30 minutes of the match, until Crown Legacy FC’s Aron John scored in the 35th minute. The ball just slipped past Jayden Hibbert into the bottom left corner, tying the match 1-1.
The 2’s tried to capitalize on a handful of shots in the first half, but Crown Legacy’s defense held the game at a 1-1 draw going into the locker room.
The start of the second half saw Atlanta United 2 take to the field with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear intent to dictate the tempo and ultimately secure a win. The aggression and increased energy levels suggested a strategic reset and/or brilliant halftime talk by Steve Cooke.
However, in the 67th minute, Crown Legacy FC’s Aron John crossed the ball to Andrej Subotic, sending a header from the inside of the box right at the center of the goal, putting Legacy ahead 2-1.
Atlanta United needed to capitalize on chances to tie the game and make it a penalty shootout, something they’re very familiar with in 2025.
Gabriel Wessah proved to be a dynamic force for Atlanta United 2 after entering the match in the 60th minute. His impactful presence drew three crucial fouls, including one within the opposition’s penalty area. While the initial penalty attempt from Javier Armas was saved, the subsequent rebound opportunity allowed him to score with a left-footed shot from the center of the box, tying the match in the 90th minute.
After regulation, the teams were sent to a penalty shootout, which is the fourth in a row for the 2’s.
Javier Armas rarely misses a penalty shot, and tonight was no different. After Armas, Wessah attempted his penalty kick, but it was quickly saved. Although Sal Mazzaferro and Rodrigo Neri won their kicks, Crown Legacy FC won the shootout, 2(5)-2(3).
Atlanta United 2 will play next Friday at 7:30 P.M. against Orlando City B at Fifth Third Stadium in Kennesaw. This match against Crown Legacy was originally intended as a home game, but rescheduled and moved up to North Carolina, which unfortunately leaves the 2’s with a day less of rest before taking on another southern rival.