Atlanta United 2 returns to action Sunday, June 25 at home to face NYCFC II at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. EDT and will be streamed live on Apple TV - MLS Season Pass.
In ATL UTD 2's last match on Sunday, June 18, the team played to a scoreless draw against Toronto FC II. Toronto secured the extra point after the 4:3 shootout victory. Jackson Conway made his first start of the season while Jonantan Villal returned from a foot injury he suffered on April 16 against Orlando City B.
MATCH INFORMATION
Sunday, June 25 | Fifth Third Bank Stadium, Kennesaw, Georgia | 7:30 p.m. ET
ATL UTD 2 (5-5-5, 21 points) vs. NYCFC II (7-5-1, 22 points)
Stream: MLS Season Pass
Link: Watch
NICK FIRMINO
ATL UTD 2's leading goal scorer Nick Firmino made his MLS debut Wednesday night against NYCFC and scored a 95th minute equalizing goal to earn Atlanta a point in a 2-2 draw at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Firmino and Luke Brennan both made their MLS debuts as second half substitutes against NYCFC Wednesday night after signing Short-Term Agreements on June 21. Brennan and Firmino checked into the match in the 87th minute and provided a spark in the attack before Firmino delivered the equalizing goal.
ALAN CARLETON
Carleton has been critical in creating chances for ATL UTD 2 from the midfield position as of late. Having started in the the team's previous three matches, the Atlanta United Academy product has been able to find key passes in attacking position, totaling six key passes on the campaign. The 18-year-old midfielder has a passing percentage of 86.1% this year.
PREVIOUS MEETING
In the last meeting between the two teams, Atlanta United 2 fell to NYCFC II 2-0 on April 9 at Belson Stadium. Andres Jasson and Justin Haak each netted a goal to help NYCFC II earn three points. Atlanta struggled to beat New York's press in the opening half but improved in possession to start the second half. Atlanta made a late push to earn a goal with its best chance coming in the 84th minute when Raimar attempted to sneak in a free pick at the near post where New York's keeper was there to make the save. In the end, New York was able to earn the clean sheet victory to earn a win in the two team's first meeting in MLS NEXT Pro.
ATL UTD 2 BY THE NUMBERS
Atlanta enters its match on Sunday with a 5-5-5-1 (W-L-T-SOW) record, currently in seventh place in the Eastern Conference and third in the Central Division with 21 points. ATL UTD 2 leads MLS NEXT Pro in duel percentage with 53.2% and is third in passes intercepted (193). Atlanta is tied for ninth in the league with 24 goals, while being 24th in shots (146). Atlanta has also suffered the most fouls in the league this year with 235. The team is still searching for its first road win of the season (0-3-4-1) as it returns home after a three game road trip where it holds a 5-2-1 record.
NYCFC II
NYCFC II heads into Sunday's match at home with a 7-5-1 record, currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, one point ahead of ATL UTD 2, and fourth in the Northeast Division with 22 points. New York City is coming off a 3-2 loss at home to Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday, June 18. NYCFC II holds a 2-3-1 record on the road as the team travels to Fifth Third Bank Stadium to play Atlanta United 2.
