Atlanta United 2 celebrated a historic afternoon at its new home, earning a thrilling 3-2 victory over New York City FC II on Sunday at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground in Marietta.
The spotlight belonged to Arif Kovac, whose two-goal performance propelled ATL UTD 2 to its 10th win of the season, marking the first time the club has reached double-digit victories in a single campaign. The brace also pushed Kovac back to the top of the MLS NEXT Pro goal contributions race.
Kovac Continues Golden Boot Charge
Atlanta controlled much of the opening half and deservedly broke through in the 12th minute.
Enzo Dovlo sparked the move with an impressive run down the right flank before finding Andrew Jardines in space outside the penalty area. Jardines spotted Kovac making a run toward the back post and floated a perfect cross into the box.
Using his strength to outmuscle his defender, Kovac met the delivery with a composed right-footed finish into the top-left corner for his 14th goal of the season.
The striker nearly doubled his tally just before halftime after weaving past a defender inside the box, but his left-footed effort drifted narrowly wide.
Atlanta’s dominance was reflected in the statistics, outshooting NYCFC II 8-1 during the opening 45 minutes while preventing the visitors from recording a shot on target for the second straight match.
Atlanta Responds to Every Challenge
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 66th minute following another flowing attacking move.
Jardines danced past two defenders before finding Adrian Gill, whose perfectly weighted through ball released Kovac behind the defense. The forward calmly buried his finish into the bottom corner for his 15th goal of the campaign, giving him 18 goal contributions, the most in MLS NEXT Pro.
New York City FC II responded four minutes later after capitalizing on a defensive turnover. Niccolo Vafiades intercepted a misplaced pass and finished past goalkeeper James Donaldson to cut Atlanta’s lead in half.
Atlanta restored its two-goal cushion in the 86th minute.
Cameron Dunbar drove into the box from the left before picking out Liam Butts, whose clever touch with his left knee redirected the ball into the net for a 3-1 advantage.
The visitors weren’t finished, however.
Juan Ponce headed home a cross from Jonathan Lopez in the 88th minute to make it 3-2, setting up a tense finish.
Despite facing sustained pressure, multiple corners, and several late shots during seven minutes of stoppage time, Atlanta United 2 held firm to secure all three points and claim its first victory at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground in 2026.
Historic Afternoon for ATL UTD 2
The victory carried significance beyond the three points.
Atlanta United 2 reached 10 wins in a single season for the first time in club history, continuing what has become one of the organization’s strongest MLS NEXT Pro campaigns.
Meanwhile, Kovac continues to establish himself as one of the league’s brightest young forwards, strengthening his case in both the Golden Boot and goal contributions races.
What’s Next?
Atlanta United 2 (10-6-3, 33 points) returns to action on Friday, July 31, when it hosts Carolina Core FC at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET, with the match available on MLSNEXTPro.com, OneFootball, and Soccer Down Here.
Related AtlantaSoccer.News Stories
- Atlanta United Signs Arif Kovac, Toto Majub and Ignacio Suarez-Couri to Short-Term Agreements
- Atlanta United 2 Moves Final Six Home Matches to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground
- Atlanta United 2 Players Earn First-Team Call-Ups Ahead of Charlotte and New England Matches
- Atlanta United Battles Back for 2-2 Draw Against Charlotte FC
- Miguel Almirón Reaches Historic 30-30 Milestone Despite Atlanta United Loss to New England
Read more Atlanta United and MLS NEXT Pro coverage at https://atlantasoccer.news
Join the Conversation
Arif Kovac continues to light up MLS NEXT Pro. Can the Atlanta United 2 striker carry his outstanding form into the final stretch of the season—and perhaps earn more first-team opportunities? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.