MARIETTA, Ga. (Aug. 14, 2026) - Atlanta United 2 fell 2-1 to Red Bull New York II on Friday at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground in Marietta. Cameron Dunbar set a new Atlanta United 2 record with his eighth assist in a single season in the loss.
In a high-intensity first half that saw both teams create several chances, it was New York that grabbed the opening goal in the 41st minute. Midfielder Benjamin Rodriguez, receiving the ball just outside the top of the box, drove inside before laying a pass off to right winger Andy Rojas. After taking a touch and waiting for center forward Christian Gallagher to come open in the middle, Rojas fired a ball across that Gallagher struck first time with his right foot and sent into the bottom left corner of the net to give his side the lead.
In the first minute of stoppage time, New York drew a penalty. After an Atlanta turnover in the midfield, Rojas had once again ventured into the box, this time from the left side. Andrew Jardines and Jonathan Ransom quickly closed Rojas down to create pressure, however, the New York winger was able to square a central pass to Gallagher, who then fired toward net. Jardines had positioned himself on the line to block the shot, however, the ball ricocheted off his arm, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Just one minute later, Rojas stepped up to take the penalty and placed it past the diving Ransom, doubling the New York advantage.
Just two minutes into the second half, Atlanta pulled a goal back. Enzo Dovlo, starting a counterattack from his own half, played a pass up to Arif Kovac at midfield, who was dueling with center back Jonathan Munson. The tussle for the ball brought both players to ground, which allowed Dovlo to run onto his own pass, creating a two-on-two with Dunbar toward goal. Dovlo then laid it off to Dunbar, who quickly returned the pass to Dovlo in the box. With a first-time strike on his left foot, Dovlo spun the ball into the far right corner of the net, halving the deficit.
Atlanta finished the second half with more possession and more shots than its opponent, however, it was unable to find a decisive moment to strike and equalize the match. With a 94th minute save from New York goalkeeper Austin Causey on an open header from Patrick Weah in the box, New York was able to drain the remainder of stoppage time and secure the three points.
Atlanta United 2 (10-8-4, 34 points) returns to action Tuesday, Aug. 18, when it takes on Chicago Fire FC II at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground (11 a.m. ET, MLSNEXTPro.com, OneFootball App, Soccer Down Here).
