The league announced on Monday that Dominik Chong Qui, a defender for Atlanta United Academy, has been awarded the MLS NEXT Rising Star of Matchweek 18. Last night’s 2-2 draw and shootout triumph over Columbus Crew 2 saw Chong Qui score his second goal in two games on his debut start.
Within his fourth game with ATL UTD 2, Chong Qui secured a starting XI berth after scoring his first goal as a professional in the encounter against New York Red Bulls II during Matchweek 17.
The 16-year-old left back played the entire ninety minutes against Columbus Crew 2, scoring Atlanta’s second goal of the game to give the hosts a late lead. After passing the ball through the midfield and finding Chong Qui running towards the back post, Argentine midfielder Matías Gallardo threaded a pass into the box to the left back, who calmly slid a shot under the keeper for a 2-1 lead in the 84th minute.
