Atlanta United Unified traveled down to Texas for their first away trip of the season. The 5-Stripes played at Q2 Stadium against Austin FC Unified, trading chances in a lively match. The teams shared the result with a 1-1 draw in front of an enthusiastic Austin crowd.
Since the first team match didn't wrap up until after 10 p.m. local time, the the Unified teams agreed to play two 15-minute halves. It was a lightning-fast pace of play, as the athletes on both teams made the most of their minutes.
Austin FC's band stayed put in the supporters section after the first team match, bringing booming brass and drums for the entire match. The sounds of the band, cheering fans and yelling coaches and players echoed throughout Q2 Stadium, a joyful symphony of soccer sounds.
Head coach Marty Jelleme chatted with Brad Guzan and Jay Fortune, Atlanta United's first team Unified Ambassadors, who stayed to watch the Unified match before making the trip back to Atlanta.
The 5-Stripes were knocking on the door the entire first half. Liam Stuart put in a couple of key strikes, just missing the frame of the goal in the 10th minute. He had another chance denied in the 14th minute, with the Austin FC keeper making a secure two-handed grab.
Atlanta United Unified goalkeeper Dee Harden made a couple key saves in the net, one being an emphatic punch away on a corner kick in the 16th minute.
Austin FC went ahead in the 19th minute on a rebound shot that found its way through. But that didn't deter Atlanta United's attack. In the 27th minute, Ike Eiswirth took advantage of a ball that fell back to him off a free kick. He thumped the second chance into the back of the net, and Atlanta United Unified celebrated their first goal of 2025.
The rapid match ended with handshakes and hugs in a 1-1 draw. It was Atlanta United's second draw of the season, continuing their undefeated run.
About Unified:
Each Unified team is made up of a diverse group of both Special Olympics athletes, individuals with developmental disabilities, and partners, individuals without developmental disabilites. The squads are allowed to freely substitute, giving both rosters a chance to showcase their talent.
The Unified sides train, travel and compete in matches just as the first teams do. It's a truly inclusive space that brings together athletes from all over the Americas.
Atlanta United Unified will play two more matches this season and will be the first Atlanta United Unified team to travel internationally when they face Toronto FC Unified July 12.
Up next:
Atlanta United Unified's next match will be on the road against Toronto FC July 12. The match will kick off at 9:30 a.m. ET and will be livestreamed at atlutd.com/live.
