Atlanta United 2 returns to Fifth Third Bank Stadium on Wednesday March 16 to face New York Red Bulls II for the team’s home opener. Following the 1-0 loss on the road against Louisville City FC in the 2022 USL Championship season opener, the 2s look to turn things around with a win at home.
If last season serves as a reference, the 2s are a team you can count on to persevere and perform. From the jaw dropping 5-0 win against FC Tulsa to incredible comebacks like their home match against Memphis 901, the 2s showed their grit in 2021.
This will be the first full season under Jack Collison, after taking the reins as head coach in June 2021. Collison finished the 2021 season looking forward to the next writing a message to the fans saying, “Bring on 2022.”
The 2022 season will see the return of fan favorites and the addition of new faces to the roster, ensuring this will be a season you don’t want to miss.
Players to Watch
After being drafted as the 59th overall pick for Atlanta United in 2021, McFadden was loaned to the 2s and proved to be a force on the field. The fullback made 29 appearances with the 2s, totaling eight goals, making him the team’s top goal scorer. Earlier this month, Aiden was called up to the first team on a short-term loan and made his MLS debut when he was subbed in during the Atlanta United vs. Colorado Rapids game.
The 25-year-old midfielder proved to be a strong leader on the pitch after signing with the team in January 2021. His work ethic and experience in the USL led Mertz to don the captain’s armband eight times last season. Mertz’s drive, ability to regain the ball and tackles reflected in his record of 28 appearances and five assists. Mertz received high praise last season from his head coach, when Collison shared that he sees his younger self in the midfielder.
“Probably the biggest thing that stands out to me about Robbie is whenever he loses in training, you can’t talk to him for at least 15, 20 minutes,” Collison said. “And that competitiveness just reminds me of how I was as a player.”
The 18-year-old midfielder has made a name for himself in the past two seasons with the 2s. Mejia made 16 team appearances in 2021, scoring two goals as well. The midfielder’s performance on the pitch helped catch the eye of the Peruvian National Team, who invited Mejia to train with the first team in January 2022.
A member of the Atlanta United Academy’s inaugural U-13 roster in 2016, Reyes’ hard work and performance helped him make his professional debut in September 2020. The 18-year-old goalkeeper had an incredible match last week in the season opener against Louisville City FC, saving five shots and earning him a nomination for USL Save of the Week.
The Opponent
The last time these two teams met was in September 2020, where Atlanta won 5-3. The New York Red Bulls II are currently in 10th place in the USL Championship standing, one position below the 2s. Red Bulls II lost their first match of the season 2-0 against Miami FC and are looking to get a win on the road. With the changes in each squad’s roster and the two-year gap since these teams have faced each other, Wednesday’s match will be a new experience.
Watch Atlanta United take on New York Red Bulls II on Wednesday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. The match will be available to watch on ESPN+ and tickets are available here.
Want to support the 2s throughout the season? Check out our Five-Match Pack!
