It was a historic evening at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta as Atlanta United 2 played its first MLS NEXT Pro Playoff match. A historic side took the pitch for the 2s, one that broke the club's points record and finished with its highest-ever seed. It featured MLS NEXT Pro's Golden Boot Winner Arif Kovac and Playmaker of the Year Cameron Dunbar among other important contributors.
Football, though, can be a cruel sport, and the 2s learned that Friday night. They conceded in the 5th minute and couldn't muster a response in over 100 minutes of play, losing to Connecticut United in heartbreaking fashion.
What happened
Connecticut United jumped out to a surprising lead in the 5th minute when an over the top through ball caught Atlanta's back line in a moment of transition. Barnabás Tanyi converted from a squared ball that left Jayden Hibbert and his defender crossed up.
Atlanta United 2 had to settle themselves into the match, and they did so through patience. Dominik Chong Qui was the outlet on the left side of the attack, taking space and combining well with Cameron Dunbar.
Enzo Dovlo hit the post twice in the span of seconds after breaking through on goal in the 21st minute. The winger cut in on his preferred left foot and struck a shot that bounced off near post, collected the rebound and hit the same post again.
The near-equalizing sequence only encouraged the 2s to push more. Dunbar won a free kick right on the edge of the box in the 28th minute. The winger stepped lined up in front of the ball with Chong Qui, who faked the strike and allowed Dunbar to aim for the far post. Gunther Rankenburg made the save to dispel the threat.
Atlanta United 2s passing wasn't quite crisp enough to consistently build up. They took space quickly and moved well on the break, but Connecticut were positionally disciplined in defense. The Coywolves saw out their early lead into the halftime break as the hosts reckoned with their deficit.
Coming out of the stoppage, the 2s kept their foot on the gas, but Connecticut broke away for a great chance in the 63rd minute. The visitors countered after an Atlanta United 2 corner kick, and Tanyi got one-on-one with Hibbert in goal. His curling shot to the far post didn't bend enough and went wide.
Rankenburg charged out of the box in the 76th minute, and Dunbar snapped on his poor clearance. The keeper was out of his net but made a clutch tackle on the MLS Playmaker of the Year and cleared his lines.
Hibbert had to make a leg save in the 85th minute to keep Connecticut at 1, and in the 88th he had another diving stop.
Substitute Santiago Pita nearly equalized in the 97th minute, but his header from a nifty cross soared just over the bar. That was the last of Atlanta United 2's chances, and their accomplished season came to an end.
