Noah Cobb a bright spot in Atlanta United’s loss

Competing for the United States means Cobb will not be available for selection by interim manager Rob Valentino for the home games against NYCFC on Wednesday and Columbus on Saturday.

Cobb has become a reliable choice in a two- or three-man center-back deployment for Gonzalo Pineda and Valentino this season. He has made 17 appearances, 15 of them as a starter.

Cobb took responsibility for Montreal’s goal on Saturday. His turnover sparked a counterattack. However, his teammates failed to put pressure on Raheem Edwards and properly mark Ruan on his header in the 51st minute.

After Stian Gregersen received his second yellow card in the 56th minute, Cobb and Derrick Williams became a two-man center back base. Cobb handled the transition well, showing what he had learned and his potential.

“It’s definitely tough, but that’s what the game demands,” he said. “You really have to do it. I mean, you’re down a point, you’re down a man. I trust myself on the back end. I know it’s going to be tough. A lot of times you’re going to be shorthanded. But I know that’s what the game demands. And I know that’s my role in that situation. And I know you know what I’m being asked to do.”

The U.S. U20s will face Jamaica on Friday, Cuba on July 22 and Costa Rica on July 25. Twelve teams will compete in three groups. The top two teams in each group and the two best third-place teams will advance to the single-elimination quarterfinals.

Cobb said he takes inspiration from teammate Caleb Wiley, whose $11 million sale to Chelsea is close to being finalized. Cobb and Wiley are both Atlanta United academy graduates. Both are homegrown players. Both dream of playing in Europe. A good showing from Cobb at the Under-20 level could help him achieve that goal.

“For the rest of us Homegrowns, it feels more real and feels like if this is your goal, then it’s achievable,” Cobb said.

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Atlanta United 2024 Schedule

February 24 Columbus 1, Atlanta United 0

March 9 Atlanta United 4, New England 1

March 17 Atlanta United 2, Orlando 0

March 23 Toronto 2, Atlanta United 0

March 31 Atlanta United 3, Chicago 0

April 6 Atlanta United 1, NYCFC 1

April 14 Atlanta United 2, Philadelphia 2

April 20 Cincinnati 2, Atlanta United 1

April 27 Atlanta United 1, Chicago 1

May 4 Minnesota 2, Atlanta United 1

May 7 Atlanta United 3, Charlotte Independence 0 in US Open Cup

May 11 DC United 3, Atlanta United 2

May 15 Cincinnati 1, Atlanta United 0

May 18 Atlanta United 1, Nashville 1

May 21 Atlanta United 0 (5), Charleston 0 (4) in US Open Cup

May 25 LAFC 1, Atlanta United 0

May 29 Atlanta United 3, Miami 1

June 2 Charlotte 3, Atlanta United 2

June 15 Atlanta United 2, Houston 2

June 19 Atlanta United 1, DC United 0

June 22 Atlanta United 1, St. Louis 1

June 29 Atlanta United 2, Toronto 1

July 3 New England 2, Atlanta United 1

July 6 Real Salt Lake 5, Atlanta United 2

July 9 vs. Indy Eleven 2, Atlanta United 1

July 13 Montreal 1, Atlanta United 0

July 17 vs NYCFC, 7:30 p.m.

July 20 vs. Columbus, 7:30 p.m.

July 26 vs. DC United in Leagues Cup, 7:30 p.m.

August 4 against Santos Laguna in Leagues Cup, 4 p.m.

August 24 at LA Galaxy, 10:30 p.m.

August 31 in Charlotte, 7:30 p.m.

September 14 vs. Nashville, 7:30 p.m.

September 18 vs. Miami, 7:30 p.m.

September 21 at Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m.

September 28 in Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.

October 2 vs. Montreal, 7:30 p.m.

October 5 vs. Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m.

October 19 in Orlando, 6 p.m.