Atlanta United 2 draws 2-2 with Columbus Crew 2; earns extra point in 4-3 penalty shootout win

Atlanta United 2 earned two points after a penalty shootout victory over Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday night at Fifth Third Stadium. The game ended in a 2-2 draw in the 90th minute, with Matías Gallardo and Dominik Chong Qui finding the back of the net. Goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert made four saves in regulation time and stopped the first two penalties in the shootout.

Columbus was active early, getting a one-on-one opportunity with Hibbert from close range in the sixth minute, but the Jamaican goalkeeper was able to read the play and deflect the shot. The visitors were able to break through in the 14th minute after Crew midfielder Adrian Gonzales won a duel just beyond midfield, sending a through ball around the Atlanta backline to Jayden Da on the right flank, who cut in and fired in at the far post to make it 1-0.

The team continued to play in the second half, and Da managed to create another chance in a one-on-one in the 50th minute, but Hibbert reacted quickly to keep the score at 1-0. ATL UTD 2 found their chance through Chong Qui who dribbled past his defender on the left side before centering a cross to the far post that was sent to Erik Centeno, who ended up firing home a powerful shot that forced the keeper to make a save.

Atlanta equalized in the 79th minute after center back Ethan Dudley carried the ball into midfield, finding Gallardo on the right wing before cutting just inside the penalty area to curl a left-footed shot that ricocheted off the back post and into the net.