Atlanta United 2 returns home to Fifth Third Stadium for the first time since May to take on Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday, July 14. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com. Fans can also tune in to the Soccer Down Here audio stream.
Welcome Rodrigo!
On Thursday, July 11, Atlanta United 2 announced the signing of American forward Rodrigo Neri on a free transfer from Valencia CF’s Academy. Neri, 19, has spent the past few years developing in multiple LaLiga and LaLiga 2 Academy systems. He began his professional career when he joined Atlético Madrid in 2021, working his way through their Academy while training with their First team on occasion. Internationally, Neri has represented the United States at the U-19 and U-23 level. In 2023, Neri was selected to the 18-man roster to represent the U.S. at the 2023 Pan American Games in Chile. In total, Neri has netted seven goals in 13 appearances for the U. S. Youth National Teams. Neri is also eligible to represent Spain and Venezuela. He will be available to play once the MLS Secondary Transfer Window opens on July 18.
Scouting Report
Columbus Crew 2 enters the match in 7th place in the Eastern Conference and holds a 6-5-5 record with 26 points. Columbus ranks eighth in total goals scored in the East, posting 26 goals while conceding 27 for a -1 goal differential. Chase Mesner Adams and Brent Adu-Gyamfi lead the way in scoring, each having bagged five goals this season. Atlanta will also look to shut down creative midfielder Owen Presthus, who leads the team in assists with six through 16 matches.
Previous Meeting
Atlanta United 2 holds a 0-2-1 (W-L-D) record against Columbus Crew 2. The last meeting between the two sides ended in a narrow 3-2 loss at Historic Crew Stadium on Sept. 27, 2023. Noah Cobb and David Mejía each scored in the match.
