At Fifth Third Stadium on Saturday night, Atlanta United 2 defeated New England Revolution II 3-2 by fending off a second-half rally. Karim Tmimi scored his sixth goal of the season, and Academy product Alan Carleton scored his first and second goals in his professional career in a first-half brace. ATL UTD 2’s first forty-five minutes were replete with goals.
At the center circle, Noble Okello, a Canadian international, lofted a cross to Erik Centeno, who took a touch down the line before centering the ball just outside the six-yard box. This was the first goal of the game. Tmimi, diving, met Centeno’s cross and headed the ball to the lower left corner of the net.
After leaving the ball for Carleton at midfield in the 36th minute, Okello brought it just outside the left side of the penalty box, cut it back and toward the middle of the pitch, and ripped a potent right-footed shot that swerved past the keeper of New England and bounced into the goal.
Carleton would win his second of the night in just two minutes. Forward Rodrigo Neri started a counterattack by running down the right side of the pitch and dragging defenders towards him after winning a challenge in his own defensive half. This left Carleton open in the box for a composed right-footed finish.
Playoff action for Atlanta United 2 (5-9-4, 21 points) begins on Sunday, August 11 at home against Toronto FC II (7:30 p.m. ET, MLSNEXTPro.com, Soccer Down Here). The remaining ATL UTD 2 games are streamed live on MLSNEXTPro.com, with the option to watch certain matches on the Apple TV app if you have an MLS Season Pass.
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.