KENNESAW, Ga. (April 23, 2025) — On a cool spring night at Fifth Third Stadium, Atlanta United 2 put on a show filled with grit, goals, and a glimpse of the future. In a 2-2 draw against Carolina Core FC, it was Academy standout Gabriel Wesseh who stole the spotlight, notching a goal and an assist in his first professional start before Jayden Hibbert’s clutch penalty save earned ATL the extra point in the shootout.
⚽ Wesseh Makes His Mark
From the opening whistle, Atlanta dictated tempo and created danger down the right side — and it was no surprise that 16-year-old Gabriel Wesseh was at the center of the action. In the 21st minute, Wesseh cut inside from the wing and clipped a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Moises Tablante, who took a touch to beat his defender and smashed a near-post rocket into the roof of the net to make it 1-0 Atlanta.
Though Carolina answered with a long-range strike from Drake Hadeed in the 29th minute, ATL continued to probe. Wesseh’s relentless energy paid off again early in the second half — this time as the goalscorer. After a pass from Ryan Carmichael, Wesseh went on a solo run and buried a low shot into the bottom-left corner from outside the box to make it 2-1 Atlanta.
⚔️ Carolina Pushes Back, Shootout Drama Ensues
Atlanta nearly iced it when Rodrigo Neri hit the post in the 70th minute, but the visitors weren’t done. In the 81st minute, Paul Leonardi took advantage of open space and slotted in an equalizer to force a shootout.
In the penalty kicks, both teams held their nerve through five rounds, with Moises Tablante, Javier Armas, and Patrick Weah converting for Atlanta. After trading makes in sudden death, Jayden Hibbert came up big — diving to his right to stop Leonardi and seal the extra point.
🔥 Player of the Match: Gabriel Wesseh
At just 16 years old, Wesseh’s composure, creativity, and confidence stood out in a match filled with MLS NEXT Pro veterans. The Academy midfielder showed he belongs on the pro stage — and Atlanta fans may be seeing a lot more of him soon.
🎯 Final Score:
Atlanta United 2 – 2 (6-5 PKs) – Carolina Core FC
Goals:
- ATL: Moises Tablante (21’), Gabriel Wesseh (47’)
- CCFC: Drake Hadeed (29’), Paul Leonardi (81’)
Shootout:
- ATL Scorers: Armas ✅, Tablante ✅, Mazzaferro ✅, Moore ✅, Weah ✅
- CCFC Scorers: Evans ✅, Sutton ✅, Polanco ✅, Canete ✅
Hibbert Save: Leonardi ❌
