Atlanta United Academy defender Dominik Chong Qui has been named the MLS NEXT Rising Star of Matchweek 18, the league announced on Monday. Chong Qui scored his second goal in two matches in his first start during last night’s 2-2 draw and shootout victory over Columbus Crew 2.
After scoring his first professional goal as a substitute in Matchweek 17’s contest against New York Red Bulls II, Chong Qui earned a spot in the starting XI in just his fourth match with ATL UTD 2. The 16-year-old left back went the full 90 minutes against Columbus Crew 2 and bagged Atlanta’s second goal of the match to take a late lead over the visitors. In the 84th minute, Argentine midfielder Matías Gallardo carried the ball through the midfield before he found Chong Qui making a run towards the back post, threading a pass through the box to the left back who calmy slid a shot under the keeper for a 2-1 lead.
Atlanta United 2 (3-8-4, 15 points) returns to the road as the team takes on Crown Legacy FC at Sportsplex at Matthews on Sunday, July 21 (5:00 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.
