Atlanta United 2 defeated Chattanooga FC 1-0 at Fifth Third Stadium on Wednesday night, handing the latter team its first loss of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season.
Josh Cohen, the goalkeeper for Atlanta United, made his debut in Atlanta United 2, the team’s first competitive game.
After a handball in the 20th minute, Atlanta United 2 was awarded a penalty kick, becoming the first team to score in the match.
As Chattanooga’s keeper dove to the left, Javier Armas took his place and slotted his attempt to the right side of the goal.
With his penalty, Armas scored his third goal of the season from a set piece.
Midfielder Matías Gallardo attempted a risky header in the 35th minute after midfielder Nick Firmino met his floated corner ball in the middle of the box, but his effort was blocked.
After receiving a cross from Luke Brennan, Gallardo had an opportunity of his own. He curled a powerful left-footed volley at the back post that went just wide of the goal.
Atlanta outshot the visitors 8-0 in the first half while limiting Chattanooga to zero shot attempts.
After the half, ATL UTD 2 was on the attack. In the 50th minute, captain Matt Edwards found Karim Tmimi with a ball that went past the Chattanooga defense, but Tmimi had to take the shot at a tough angle, and the goalie eventually collected it.
It wasn’t until the 59th minute that Chattanooga put Cohen to the test, as the Atlanta goalkeeper stopped a powerful attempt that was taken outside the box.
In order to preserve the clean sheet and give ATL UTD 2 the victory, Cohen made a stunning stop in the 93rd minute.
On Sunday, April 28, Atlanta United 2 (2-3-0, 6 points) will play its first away game of the season against Chicago Fire FC II (2:00 p.m. ET, Apple TV).
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.
