A Vital Win on the Road
Charlotte, NC — September 21, 2025 — Atlanta United 2 secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Crown Legacy on Saturday night, keeping their postseason hopes alive in the MLS NEXT Pro playoff race.
The decisive moment came early. In the 13th minute, Santiago Pita weaved past two defenders on the left before slipping the ball to Patrick Weah in the middle. Weah, cool under pressure, shifted left and buried his shot off the back post — his seventh goal of the season. The strike not only sealed the win but also made Weah the team’s top scorer in 2025.
The result leaves Atlanta United 2 (8-9-8, 34 points) in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, with just three matches left to fight for a postseason berth.
Ransom’s Heroics Between the Posts
The match could have turned quickly when Crown Legacy earned a 29th-minute penalty after Dominik Chong Qui fouled Brandon Cambridge in the box. But goalkeeper Jonathan Ransom, making just his second professional start, guessed correctly and dived right to deny Cambridge’s effort.
The save marked Ransom’s first penalty stop in regulation as a pro — and it may go down as a season-defining moment for Atlanta’s playoff push.
“Jonathan showed incredible composure,” said head coach Steve Cooke. “That was a big-time save in a big-time moment.”
Second-Half Survival
Atlanta United 2 spent much of the second half in a defensive shell, absorbing waves of Crown Legacy pressure. The best chance for the home side came in the 73rd minute when Nimfasha Berchimas found himself unmarked at the back post. But his point-blank attempt slid wide, keeping Atlanta in front.
From there, the backline held firm, while Ransom commanded his box to secure a clean sheet.
Milestones and Momentum
Saturday’s win carried a pair of personal milestones:
- Patrick Weah: Became the team’s leading scorer with 7 goals this season.
- Javier Armas: Made his 50th appearance for Atlanta United 2, cementing his role as one of the team’s steady veterans.
With just three games left, every point counts — and Saturday’s performance showed Atlanta can dig deep when it matters most.
What’s Next
Atlanta United 2 returns home this week for a crucial matchup:
- Wednesday, Sept. 24
- Chattanooga FC
- Fifth Third Stadium, Kennesaw, GA
- 7:30 p.m. ET
- Stream: MLSNEXTPro.com and Soccer Down Here; select matches available via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
A win against Chattanooga could lift Atlanta further up the standings and set up a dramatic finish to the season.
What This Means
The 1-0 win at Crown Legacy wasn’t flashy, but it was exactly what Atlanta United 2 needed. With Patrick Weah in scoring form and Jonathan Ransom showing confidence in goal, the 5-Stripes’ second team has momentum heading into the final stretch.
For fans, it’s another reminder of the pipeline of talent developing in Kennesaw — and why keeping an eye on ATL UTD 2 is essential to understanding the club’s future.
Your Turn: Do you think Atlanta United 2 can make a late push into the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs? Drop your predictions in the comments and join the conversation with us on social media @AtlantaSoccerNews.
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.