Recap plus notes from interview with Head Coach Steve Cooke
Atlanta United 2 almost had a zero-to-hero story but fell 6-3 against Huntsville City FC in Kennesaw on Sunday afternoon. In the last four head-to-head matches, history favored whoever was the away side in each matchup, making yesterday the fifth of the soccer phenomena.
Atlanta started strong in the first 10 minutes with a series of successfully linked passes and majority possession. In the 13th minute, Huntsville captain Jonathan Bolaños played the ball deep into Atlanta’s defensive third. Woobens Pacius capitalized with a first-time finish into the top of the net, opening the score.
Momentum continued for Huntsville in minute 22 after a defensive error in the Atlanta box. Forster Ajago netted goal number two from close range, Bolaños assisted. In minute 35, Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert faced a 2 versus 1 breakaway against Bolaños and Oliver Wright. Bolaños shared the ball with Wright who slotted a shot to the back of the net, widening the Huntsville lead to 3-0. Huntsville’s final goal of the first half came off a cross from Ethan O’Brien, settled by Ajago and finished by Pacius.
Efforts from Noble Okello and Nick Firmino planted a spark in Fifth Third Stadium minutes before the halftime whistle. Firmino laid off a well-positioned ball outside the 18, struck by midfielder Noble Okello. The low-driven shot popped up from a deflection off the foot of a Huntsville defender. Goalkeeper Bryan Dowd was forced to adjust, but the on-frame strike from Okello had already met the back net. Okello opened the books for the home side and ended the visitors' clean sheet.
Reflecting on the first half during the post game interview, Coach Steve Cooke remarked, “...I know it sounds crazy but we started the game well with the ball–quite positive, created a couple of good openings–lacking quality in the final space so we didn't really create too many chances, but I thought we played quite well– then, one long ball failed to be swept up, uh, behind the back line…on the build. Once you go 2, 3 down you know–in the first half it's a long, long day.” Cooke admitted changes were necessary to finish out the final 45.
A different Atlanta United 2 returned and halftime sub Karim Tmimi made an immediate impact. First team winger Luke Brennan received the ball unguarded in the right corner of the opposition box. Brennan tactfully employed footwork to cut inward past the oncoming defender, setting himself up for a more opportunistic shot. Dowd parried the ball to the awaiting feet of Tmimi, who responded with a composed half-volley goal in the 49th minute.
Momentum overall continued in Atlanta’s favor over a fluctuating 30 minute period. The 2’s created a series of additional scoring opportunities with multiple players involved. Jayden Hibbert rebounded from the first half, making a handful of key saves.
Determination finally prevailed when Academy homegrown Ashton Gordon brought the score difference to 1 in the 81st minute. Gordon crashed far post in the box for a volleyed goal, assisted by Luke Brennan’s cross. Supporter energy boomed to an all game-high with a particularly bonded moment between the young Academy players and their alumni on the pitch. Gordon grabbed the ball from the net, pointed to the stands, and ran back to the half with fellow Academy call up Dominik Chong Qui.
Coach Steve Cooke noted on Gordon’s position as a wing and his impact upon coming into the game: “That's the second time he’s played left wing and he’s done really well both times… he’s scored a couple of goals…in 25 minutes…credit to the player because he’s now shown us twice that he can… play that role…I also think he could have played a couple of balls in and we could’ve scored more with him, you know, so…credit to Ashton.”
In the 85th minute, enthusiasm fell and Huntsville regained control of the momentum. Defender Joey Akupunonu’s pass broke lines to find midfielder Johnny Pérez. Pérez launched the ball forward to score from a distance. Then 3 minutes later, defender Efraín Morales made an in-box slide tackle against Pascius, resulting in a PK for the visitors. Pascius shot bottom left to cap the score at 6-3, solidifying his hat trick and concluding scoring opportunities on both sides.
Atlanta United 2 will return Thursday, September 19th for a road game versus I-85 rival Crown Legacy. Kickoff will be at 7:30pm EST at Sportsplex at Matthews.
✍️ & 📷: Madison Schulte
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