Atlanta United 2 fell in heartbreaking fashion to Crown Legacy FC 1-0 on Friday night at Fifth Third Stadium following a last-minute stoppage time goal from the visitors.
Both sides struggled to carve out chances in the first half, but Atlanta found an opportunity early in the eighth minute of the match after Jacob Williams whipped in a cross to the six-yard box that met Nick Firmino for a header but his chance fell straight to the keeper.
Later in the 33rd minute, midfielder Javier Armas played a corner shot to Matías Gallardo who floated in a ball to the back post for Ethan Dudley, who got off a header that looked to go past the goal line, but was cleared away at the last second to keep the match level.
Neither team found another dangerous chance until the 80th minute when Dudley got another header on target but yet again it was saved before crossing into the net.
ATL UTD 2's final chance of the evening came in the 88th when Academy forward Matthew Dejianne made a diving header just outside the six-yard box following a cross from Erik Centeno, though his attempt was met by the goalie.
Crown Legacy broke through in the waning moments of the match when in the 91st minute Cam Duke laid off a pass for Aron John at the center of the box to get off a left-footed shot that found its way in the side netting.
Atlanta United 2 (3-6-2, 12 points) will return to the pitch when the squad takes a two-match road trip to the Sunshine State, kicking things off with a duel against Orlando City B at Osceola Heritage Park on June 26 (7:00 p.m. ET, Apple TV - MLS Season Pass, Soccer Down Here). Some ATL UTD 2 matches are available with an MLS Season Pass subscription, located on the Apple TV app while the remainder of matches are streamed live on MLSNEXTPro.com.
Notes:
- ATL UTD 2 featured its 10th unique backline in 11 matches.
- Erik Centeno finished with a match-high eight crosses.
- Nick Firmino led all players in shots with four.
- Ashton Gordon made his first appearance in the starting lineup for ATL UTD 2.
- Jayden Hibbert recorded four saves in goal.
Stats:
Shots: 15-11 Crown Legacy
Shots on target: 5-5
Corner kicks: 6-5 Crown Legacy
Fouls Committed: 9-7 Atlanta
Passing accuracy: 88.0% - 86.5%
Scoring:
CLFC – Aron John (Duke) 90'+1'
Disciplinary:
CLFC – Brandon Cambridge 🟨 56'
