Atlanta United 2 vs. Carolina Core: Playoff Hopes Take a Hit
Atlanta United 2 traveled to Truist Point Stadium on Saturday night in a match with major playoff implications. While the 5-Stripes Reserves delivered two highlight-reel goals — including a scorpion kick from Patrick Weah and the first pro goal from Santiago Pita — defensive lapses proved costly in a 4-2 loss to Carolina Core.
The defeat drops Atlanta United 2 to 7-9-8 (31 points) on the MLS NEXT Pro season, keeping their postseason hopes alive but on thin ice.
First Half: Weah’s Scorpion Kick, But Core Seize the Lead
The action started early. In the 15th minute, Ryan Carmichael whipped in a free kick and Patrick Weah stunned the stadium with an outrageous scorpion kick finish into the bottom-right corner. It was a goal-of-the-season contender and gave Atlanta a 1-0 lead.
But Carolina responded. Jesus Ibarra equalized in the 37th minute, slotting home after a smooth passing sequence from Facundo Canete and Paul Leonardi.
Just before halftime, the home side flipped the script. In stoppage time, Canete broke through on the right and finished calmly past Jonathan Ransom, sending the Core into the locker room with a 2-1 advantage.
Second Half: Pita’s First Pro Goal, But Core Pull Away
Atlanta United 2 showed fight after the break. In the 52nd minute, Gabriel Wesseh picked up his team-leading fifth assist, teeing up 18-year-old Santiago Pita, who blasted a left-footed rocket into the top corner from 25 yards out. It was Pita’s first professional goal, and it leveled the score at 2-2.
Carolina answered quickly. Kai Thomas smashed home a volley from a tight angle in the 62nd minute to restore the lead. Then, just five minutes later, Canete converted a penalty to make it 4-2. Ransom guessed correctly and got a hand to it, but the ball deflected in off the bar to seal the result.
Key Takeaways
- Patrick Weah’s creativity: His scorpion kick will be replayed for weeks, underlining his flair in attack.
- Santiago Pita milestone: At just 18, scoring a long-range stunner shows his growing confidence and potential.
- Gabriel Wesseh leading the way: With five assists this season, he continues to be Atlanta United 2’s top creator.
- Defensive gaps remain: Allowing four goals in a must-win match shows the need for more stability at the back.
What This Means for ATL UTD 2
This result keeps Atlanta United 2 on the fringe of the MLS NEXT Pro playoff race. With just a few games left, every point matters. Young stars like Pita, Wesseh, and Weah are showing their quality, but consistency will decide whether the team extends its season.
Next Up
Atlanta United 2 will travel to face Crown Legacy FC on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7:00 p.m. ET at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex. The match will stream live on MLS Season Pass (Apple TV) and via Soccer Down Here.
What did you think of Patrick Weah’s scorpion kick — best goal of the season? And how big could Santiago Pita be for the 5-Stripes’ future? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on Twitter/X.
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.