Atlanta United 2 defeated Indy Eleven 2-1 Wednesday night at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. George Campbell scored his first professional goal while Andrew Carleton netted the game-winner and ATL UTD 2 extended its unbeaten streak to four matches.
Atlanta opened the scoring in the 24th minute from a corner kick. Mikey Ambrose delivered an out-swinging ball to the center of the box where Campbell rose high above the Indy defense and powerfully headed the ball into the bottom left corner. Eleven goalkeeper Evan Newton was able to get a hand to it, but it ultimately bounced through for the 18-year-old’s first professional score.
Indy leveled the match in the 36th minute after ATL UTD 2 conceded a foul in the defensive half. Ayoze sent a free kick towards the back post where Eugene Starikov headed it on frame, but it was parried away by goalkeeper Brendan Moore. However, Patrick Barrett was unmarked inside the six-yard box and tapped in the loose ball.
Carleton eventually regained the lead for Atlanta in the 61st minute. Amir Bashti gathered an errant pass on the right side and found Luiz Fernando on the wing. The Brazilian passed it to Carleton on the edge of the 18-yard box where the Homegrown nutmegged a defender before smashing a shot into the bottom left corner. Carleton has now scored in his last four appearances for ATL UTD 2 and is tied for second on the team with five goals.
STATS
Shots: 13-10 Atlanta
Shots on Target: 7-4 Atlanta
Corner kicks: 6-2 Atlanta
Fouls committed: 22-18 Indy
Saves: 5-3 Indy
Offside: 3-2 Indy
Possession: 59-41 Indy
Passing Accuracy: 77-83 Indy
ATL UTD 2 (8-16-6, 30 points) returns to action Saturday, Sept. 28 against Saint Louis FC at 8:30 p.m. EST at West Community Stadium. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+.
-Jon J.
Photo: Courtesy of ATL UTD 2