Atlanta United 2 returns to the road to take on regional rival Crown Legacy FC on Sunday, July 21 at Sportsplex at Matthews. The match is slated to kick off at 5:00 p.m. ET and will be streamed on Apple TV – MLS Season Pass. Fans can also tune in to the Soccer Down Here audio stream.
Young Stars Shine
Atlanta United Academy defender Dominik Chong Qui was named the MLS NEXT Rising Star of Matchweek 18. Chong Qui scored his second goal in two matches in his first start during Sunday night’s 2-2 draw and shootout victory over Columbus Crew 2. After scoring his first professional goal as a substitute in Matchweek 17’s contest against New York Red Bulls II, Chong Qui earned a spot in the starting XI in just his fourth match with ATL UTD 2. The 16-year-old left back went the full 90 minutes against Columbus Crew 2 and bagged Atlanta’s second goal of the match to take a late lead over the visitors. In the 84th minute, Argentine midfielder Matías Gallardo carried the ball through the midfield before he found Chong Qui making a run towards the back post, threading a pass through the box to the left back who calmy slid a shot under the keeper for a 2-1 lead.
Previous Meeting
Atlanta United 2 holds a 1-3-0 (W-L-D) record against Crown Legacy FC. The last meeting between the two sides ended in a last second heartbreaker for Atlanta at Fifth Third Stadium on May 31. Crown Legacy midfielder Aron John scored the lone goal of the match in the 91st minute to take three points home for the Charlotte FC affiliate.
Welcome Rodrigo!
On Thursday, July 11, Atlanta United 2 announced the signing of American forward Rodrigo Neri on a free transfer from Valencia CF’s Academy. Neri, 19, has spent the past few years developing in multiple LaLiga and LaLiga 2 Academy systems. He began his professional career when he joined Atlético Madrid in 2021, working his way through their Academy while training with their First team on occasion. Internationally, Neri has represented the United States at the U-19 and U-23 level. In 2023, Neri was selected to the 18-man roster to represent the U.S. at the 2023 Pan American Games in Chile. In total, Neri has netted seven goals in 13 appearances for the U. S. Youth National Teams. Neri is also eligible to represent Spain and Venezuela.
