Nick Firmino tried to spark a comeback bid with a second half goal, but five saves from Chituru Odunze plus two goal contributions from Brandon Cambridge added up to three points for Crown Legacy at home on Sunday afternoon. Atlanta United 2 falls to 3-9-4 on the MLS Next Pro season.
Atlanta started well, creating dangerous opportunities in the early minutes, but Crown Legacy opened the scoring against the run of play. A break led by Cambridge down the right showcased his speed, and then he picked out Dylan Sing on the back post with an excellent low, curling cross. Sing first-timed the finish, scoring his fifth goal of the season.
Rodrigo Neri, making his first appearance for Atlanta United 2, was denied by Odunze in the second half after a nice sliding cross from Erik Centeno. Neri played 69 minutes in his debut after joining the club recently.
Cambridge made it 2-0 from the penalty spot after earning a penalty kick after a collision with Ethan Dudley. Jayden Hibbert dove to his right, but Cambridge chipped the ball down the middle. This was Cambridge's fourth start with Crown Legacy after returning from an ankle fracture suffered in preseason.
16-year old Cooper Sanchez started the sequence that led to Firmino's goal in the 74th minute. Firmino still had plenty to do and beat Odunze from a tight angle at the near post on the left side. Atlanta created more opportunities, but ultimately ran out of time as their bid to force the match to a shootout failed.
Atlanta United 2 is back in action next Saturday night in Huntsville, Alabama. Soccer Down Here will be live on-site for the match with pregame coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. and kickoff slated for just after 8:00 p.m.
✍️: Jason Longshore 📷: ATLUTD & Crown Legacy
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