Atlanta United 2 played to a 1-1 draw at Swope Park Rangers on Sunday afternoon. Laurence Wyke scored his second professional goal in the second half to secure the road point for ATL UTD 2.
Atlanta found itself behind early on as Swope Park converted the first opportunity of the match. After a giveaway in the back, Felipe Hernandez pounced on a loose ball at the top of the box and slotted a left-footed shot past Dylan Castanheira in the second minute.
Despite falling behind early, ATL UTD 2 grew into the game as the half went on. They controlled possession and had a good opportunity in the 37th minute. Yosef Samuel met a Jack Metcalf corner kick at the near post, but his glancing header looped just over the bar. Castanheira made a big save in the 41st minute after Gedion Zelalem found himself open on the edge of the six-yard box, but Castanheira cut off the angle and stopped his low drive at the near post.
The second half began with ATL UTD 2 on the front foot and nearly finding the equalizer in the 50th minute. Metcalf put in a cross from the left side off a corner kick that George Campbell volleyed on target, but John Pulskamp made a diving save to his right. Atlanta got its reward in the 68th minute. After a corner kick was initially cleared, Gordon Wild sent a cross back into the box. The ball bounced to Wyke, who one-timed a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner leaving Pulskamp with no chance. It’s the second-straight week that Wyke has scored for ATL UTD 2.
Swope Park almost regained the lead in the 72nd minute, but Castanheira came up with another point-blank save to keep the 1-1 score line. Both teams had opportunities for a last gasp winner, including Wild just missing a tap-in off a Jon Gallagher cross. In stoppage time, Andrew Carleton dribbled past two defenders, but his curling effort from 20 yards went just beyond the right post.
ATL UTD 2 (3-5-3, 11 points) returns to action Saturday, May 25 against Charleston Battery at 7:30 p.m. EST at MUSC Health Stadium. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+.
