Atlanta United 2 was defeated 1-0 by Tampa Bay Rowdies at AL Lang Stadium Saturday night. The loss snapped ATL UTD 2’s three-match unbeaten streak.
“As I said to the players, I don’t think the effort or desire was lacking. We simply needed a bit more quality in key moments and to be a bit sharper overall,” said ATL UTD 2 head coach Scott Donnelly. “Tampa has improved game on game, and this is not an easy place to play. Their experience won out tonight, but our young players gained experience as well.”
Tampa scored the game’s lone goal in the 30th minute. Kwadwo Poku played a ball to Sebastian Guenzatti on the right side of the penalty area where the Uruguayan took a touch with his back to goal, turned and fired a low shot into the bottom left corner for a 1-0 lead.
Atlanta did not allow a shot on goal in the second half as the team pushed for an equalizer, but ultimately came up short. ATL UTD 2’s best chance came in the 73rd minute as Laurent Kissiedou took a shot from outside of the 18-yard box aimed at the bottom right corner, but his attempt was saved by Daniel Vega.
ATL UTD 2 (5-14-8, 23 points) returns to action Friday, Sept. 21 against North Carolina FC at 7:00 p.m. EST at Coolray Field. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+.
