MATTHEWS, N.C. (Sept. 20, 2025) - Atlanta United 2 earned a tense 1-0 victory at Crown Legacy in an important match for the race to MLS NEXT Pro playoffs. Patrick Weah scored to become the team's top goal-scorer of the season with seven, while Javier Armas made his 50th appearance for the club.
Atlanta began quickly with a goal in the 13th minute. Santiago Pita dribbled around two players on the left side before slotting it to Weah centrally. The Liberian took a touch back toward the left and hit a shot that kissed the back post and went in.
Jonathan Ransom was called into action with a save in the 21st minute. Brandon Cambridge received the ball on the right wing and dribbled toward goal before firing a shot toward the roof of the near post, but the Canadian youth-international quickly reacted to push the shot out for a corner.
Crown Legacy was awarded a penalty in the 29th minute. Dominik Chong Qui fouled Cambridge who stepped up for the penalty, but Ransom dove to his right to make the first penalty save in regulation of his professional career.
Atlanta wasn't afraid to sit back defensively in the second half, withstanding waves of pressure from Crown Legacy throughout the second 45. Crown's best chance of the half came from Nimfasha Berchimas, who was on the end of a cross from the right side but put the tap-in wide. Atlanta held on for a vital three points in the race for playoffs and currently sits in 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings with three games remaining.
Atlanta United 2 (8-9-8, 34 points) returns to action Wednesday, Sept. 24 when it hosts Chattanooga FC at Fifth Third Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET, MLSNEXTPro.com, Soccer Down Here). Some ATL UTD 2 matches are available with an MLS Season Pass subscription, located on the Apple TV app while the remainder of matches are streamed live on MLSNEXTPro.com.
