SMITHFIELD, R.I. (March 1, 2026) - Atlanta United 2 drew 1-1 with New England Revolution II in regulation before dropping the extra-point penalty shootout 4-2 in the 2026 season opener. Liam Butts gave Atlanta its first lead of the season by forcing an own goal against his former team, but the 5-Stripes were unable to resist a second half New England surge.
The action started early on a frigid March night for Atlanta United 2 with fellow new signings Cameron Dunbar and Liam Butts linking up well. Dunbar made a penetrating run into the box from the left wing before laying off a direct pass to Liam Butts standing at the penalty marker, but Butts' right-footed effort was blocked well by New England's Schinieder Mimy.
Atlanta would keep the early pressure on, however, as Santiago Pita lofted a long through ball from the center of the opposition half, which left back Seyi Fakiyesi was able to just keep from going out of play in the Revolution II box by laying off a simple pass to Dunbar. The California native then took a curled effort on target from the left side of the box, which was spilled into the path of the oncoming Butts, whose ensuing shot off the rebound ricocheted off Donovan Parisian's crossbar. Showing great determination still, Butts mustered another attempt off the ricochet, which was inevitably bundled in by the New England goalkeeper for an own goal, giving Atlanta United 2 the early 1-0 lead.
18-year-old goalkeeper Jonathan Ransom was a crucial fixture in the 5-Stripes dominant first half, remaining a composed passer as well as making a tremendous save in the 40th minute, getting down nicely to deny Cristiano Oliveira's near-post effort.
New England started off quickly in the second half as Jayden Da got a powerful head to a Mimy cross in the center of the box in the 50th minute, forcing another tremendous reaction save from Ransom to tip the ball over the bar.
Revolution II remained on the ascendancy, pinning Atlanta United 2 in its own half and forcing three saves out of Ransom in the first eight minutes of the half. Eventually, the pressure would break down the young Atlanta defense as Oliveira's low driven pass across the face of goal was met by Myles Morgan at the back post in the 70th minute, knotting the game up at 1-1.
In the 78th minute, New England had a golden opportunity to take the lead as Da, inside the box, fired a low driven shot to Ransom’s far post, but the young goalkeeper was able to make a quick-reflex save when he stuck his foot out to deflect the ball back into play and away from danger.
Revolution II would maintain its pressure on the 5-Stripes goal, but were unable to prevent the game from ending level. In the penalty shootout, Fakiyesi and Moises Tablante's efforts were saved by Parisian and New England converted all of its opportunities, leaving Atlanta to settle for one point as they dropped the shootout 4-2.
Atlanta United 2 (0-0-1, 1 point) returns to action Sunday, March 8 when it hosts Carolina Core FC at Turner Soccer Complex (7 p.m. ET, MLSNEXTPro.com, OneFootball App, Soccer Down Here).
