May 8, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Atlanta United 2 News Release
Atlanta United 2’s Matías Gallardo congratulates Noble Okello
(Atlanta United 2)
KENNESAW, Ga. – Atlanta United 2 fell 2-1 to Carolina Core FC on Wednesday night at Fifth Third Stadium. Canadian international Noble Okello claimed his first goal of the season while Erik Centeno added his third assist of the campaign.
Atlanta saw its first chance of the half in the 25th minute as Matías Gallardo found space outside the penalty box to rip a shot towards the bottom right corner of goal but his attempt was met by the glove of the keeper.
In the 31st minute, Atlanta strung together great buildup play that led to Centeno collecting the ball on the right flank before crossing it to Okello who hit a right-footed volley just out of reach of Carolina’s defense to send the home side up 1-0.
Carolina Core equalized in the 43rd minute after Derek Cuevas whipped in a cross to the top of the box that met an unmarked Jacob Evans who settled the pass before getting off a powerful strike that met the back of the net.
Just before the halftime whistle, Evans stepped up to take a corner kick for Carolina, lofting a pass to the back post that met Christian Diaz for a header that narrowly missed the hands of Jayden Hibbert, securing a 2-1 lead over Atlanta heading into the break.
ATL UTD 2 found a chance early in the second half when Karim Tmimi danced his way around the Core’s defense and created an opening for himself to take a low driven shot, but his opportunity was saved by the goalie.
The visitors then had a dangerous chance after pulling most of Atlanta’s defense following a corner kick before sneaking a shot past the remaining defenders but Academy defender Miles Hadley got his foot in front of the ball for a goal line clearance.
Shortly after, Hibbert was faced with a 1-on-1 with Carolina’s Papa Ndoye in the 75th minute but came up big with a reaching save to keep ATL UTD 2 within striking distance.
ATL UTD 2 continued to put the pressure on the visitors in the waning minutes of the match, whipping in crosses and corners but the Foxes were able to get in front of any chance thrown their way. In the 86th, Carolina would be shown a red card after Ndoye made a dangerous tackle on Miles Hadley, who walked away without an injury.
Atlanta United 2 (2-5-1, 8 points) hits the road for the second time this season when the squad travels to face Huntsville City FC on Saturday, May 18 at Wicks Family…
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