MATTHEWS, N.C. (March 22, 2026) - Atlanta United 2 sustained a 3-0 defeat to Crown Legacy FC on Sunday at Sportsplex at Matthews. ATL UTD 2 was shut out for the first time in 2026 as it suffered its first loss of the season.
In the first 10 minutes of the game, Atlanta defended well as it sought a foothold. After a few clearances in the box from 5-Stripes defenders, the game opened up in transition. Atlanta was able to generate multiple chances over the next 30 minutes of the half, generating five shots on target, including long-range efforts from both Santiago Pita and Cameron Dunbar that required fingertip saves from Crown Legacy goalkeeper Tyler Miller to keep the game level.
As the 5-Stripes continually operated in the attacking third of the pitch, Crown Legacy remained pinned behind the ball. For the first time in 2026, Crown Legacy generated zero shots on target in the first half due to the resolute ATL UTD 2 defense. It was also the first time ATL UTD 2 prevented an opponent from mustering a shot on target in the first half this season.
After a back-and-forth initial 10 minutes of the second half, Atlanta was reduced to 10 men. In the 55th minute, Adrian Gill stood in front of Crown Legacy midfielder Simon Tonidandel, preventing the restart from a free kick. Referee Benjamin Meyer brandished a second yellow card to Gill, just five minutes after his first, leaving the 5-Stripes shorthanded.
In the 61st minute, Crown Legacy found the breakthrough. Right winger Nathan Richmond fired a left-footed shot from the right side of the box which was saved by Jonathan Ransom. However, the ball rebounded off the save straight to the feet of the oncoming left winger Nimfasha Berchimas, who slotted it home to give Crown Legacy a 1-0 lead.
In the 72nd minute, Atlanta had a chance to equalize. Enzo Dovlo ran onto a through ball down the right wing before crossing it first time into the box to Arif Kovac, who was standing alone, but the ensuing shot went wide.
With just 10 men on the pitch, The 5-Stripes were unable to generate enough momentum to create any further quality chances. Goals from striker Rodolfo Aloko in the 84th minute and right back Magic Smalls in the 90th minute would put the game out of reach, sealing a 3-0 win for Crown Legacy and handing ATL UTD 2 its first defeat of 2026.
Atlanta United 2 (2-1-1, 7 points) returns to action Friday, April 3, when it returns to North Carolina to face Crown Legacy FC at Sportsplex at Matthews (7 p.m. ET, MLSNEXTPro.com, OneFootball App, Soccer Down Here).
