Atlanta United 2 lost 4-2 to Carolina Core FC at Truist Point Stadium in a match with playoff implications. Santiago Pita scored his first professional goal, and Gabriel Wesseh now leads the team with five assists this season.
The scoring began in the 15th minute when Atlanta earned a free kick. Ryan Carmichael sent an in-swinging set piece into the box, where Patrick Weah executed a scorpion kick into the bottom-right corner for Atlanta’s opening goal.
Carolina responded in the 37th minute. Facundo Canete passed to Paul Leonardi at the top of the box, who found Jesus Ibarra on the left side. Ibarra finished into the bottom-left corner to tie the game.
In first-half stoppage time, Antonio Pineda received the ball and played Canete through on the right side. Canete scored past Jonathan Ransom, giving Carolina a halftime lead.
Pita equalized for Atlanta in the 52nd minute after Wesseh played him centrally from a set piece. The 18-year-old maneuvered around a defender and struck from 25 yards out into the top-left corner.
Carolina regained their lead in the 62nd minute when Kai Thomas volleyed home after receiving a through ball from Ibarra. Five minutes later, Canete converted a penalty for Carolina’s fourth goal. Ransom got a touch but could not keep it out as it bounced into the net.
Atlanta United 2 (7-9-8, 31 points) will next play Crown Legacy FC at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex on September 20 at 7 p.m. ET. Some matches are available with an MLS Season Pass subscription on Apple TV, while others stream live on MLSNEXTPro.com.
