Atlanta United 2 dropped a hard-fought 3-2 result to New York City FC II on a scorching Friday afternoon at Turner Soccer Complex. The match featured a professional debut for academy defender Seamus Streelman and a standout performance from Rodrigo Neri, who bagged a brace and now leads ATL UTD 2 in goals this season.
Atlanta struck first just two minutes in when Will Reilly threaded a through ball to Neri, who rifled his shot into the roof of the net to give the home side an early lead. The Five Stripes controlled much of the tempo in the opening stages, creating several quality chances. In the 14th minute, Nyk Sessock sent a dangerous ball across to Gabriel Wesseh, who fired over from close range. One minute later, Neri nearly doubled his tally but pushed a shot wide after pouncing on a defensive mistake.
New York leveled the match in the 29th minute through Nico Cavallo, who curled a precise strike into the far post after a well-worked sequence at the top of the box. Atlanta nearly regained the lead before halftime as Reilly teed up Neri at the top of the area, but his half-volley narrowly missed the target.
NYCFC II pulled ahead early in the second half after Julien Lacher drew a penalty in the 54th minute. Seymour Reid converted calmly into the bottom-right corner. Atlanta nearly answered four minutes later when Moises Tablante and Neri both forced saves from NYC keeper Mac Learned in a flurry of action.
The visitors extended their lead to 3-1 in the 65th minute. Piero Elias won the ball in midfield and slipped a pass to Reid, who beat Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert for his second of the day.
Atlanta clawed back in the 73rd minute thanks to a sharp counterattack. Patrick Weah won possession and launched the break, connecting with Tablante who set up Neri for a clinical finish into the top of the net—his second goal of the match.
The Five Stripes pushed hard for a late equalizer. In stoppage time, Sessock found Sal Mazzaferro at the back post, but Learned came up big again with a diving save. Moments later, NYCFC II went down to 10 men after Johnathan Lopez picked up a second yellow for a foul on Tablante. Javier Armas delivered the ensuing free kick, but Atlanta couldn’t convert as time expired.
Atlanta United 2 (2-4-6, 14 points) returns to action Wednesday, June 11, hosting Huntsville City FC at Turner Soccer Complex (5 p.m. ET, MLSNEXTPro.com, Soccer Down Here). Select ATL UTD 2 matches stream on MLS Season Pass via the Apple TV app, while all others are available on MLSNEXTPro.com.
