Young Atlanta United 2 Side Passes Early Test in 2-1 Win
- Jason Longshore
- 2 minutes ago
- 4 min read
José Silva’s squad handled a physical challenge from Carolina Core and found goals from Cayman Togashi and Daniel Chica to secure three points in Athens.
Atlanta United 2 earned a 2–1 win over Carolina Core FC Saturday night at Turner Soccer Complex, claiming its first victory of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season and the club’s first win in Athens.
The match was tense, physical, and full of momentum swings. For head coach José Silva, the most encouraging part of the night was how his young team handled the challenge.
“This was not an easy match to be involved in,” Silva said after the match. “They wanted to be physical and push the limits. For young players not to get drawn into that says a lot about them.”
Atlanta improved to 1-0-1 (4 points) on the season.
Hibbert Keeps Atlanta Level Early
Carolina Core generated the first dangerous moments of the match.
In the 18th minute, David Diaz broke into the right side of the penalty area and fired toward the near post, but Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert reacted quickly to block the shot.
Diaz tested Hibbert again five minutes later with another attempt from inside the box. Once again the goalkeeper made the stop to keep the match scoreless.
Those saves helped Atlanta settle into the match and eventually create the breakthrough.
Togashi Finishes Atlanta’s Best Move
Atlanta opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a fluid attacking sequence.
Adyn Torres carried the ball forward from midfield before releasing Dominik Chong Qui down the left flank. Chong Qui delivered a low cross into the six-yard box where Cayman Togashi slid in to finish past goalkeeper Trevor Jackson.
Silva highlighted Togashi’s defensive work as well as his goal.
“The first player in the line has to always put pressure on the ball because our defensive line is really high,” Silva said. “If he can give that effort and also score a goal, it helps everyone.”
The goal was Atlanta United 2’s first of the 2026 season.
Carolina Core Equalizes After Halftime
The visitors responded immediately after the break.
In the 46th minute, a backward pass intended for Hibbert from Matthew Senanou rolled into Atlanta’s own net, leveling the match at 1–1.
The moment created another shift in the game’s momentum as both teams pushed forward in transition.
Atlanta restored its lead in the 62nd minute through right back Daniel Chica.
After receiving the ball inside the penalty area, Chica pushed past his defender and fired toward the far post. Jackson got a piece of the shot, but the ball deflected into the net.
Chica said he recognized the opportunity when space opened in front of him.
“I saw that I had space and felt like I could take the shot,” Chica said. “I took a touch, it was a loose touch, but I made something happen.”
The goal was Chica’s first for Atlanta United 2 and the first game-winning goal of his MLS NEXT Pro career.
Facing his former club added another layer to the moment.
“I was thinking about how I played there last year,” Chica said. “I enjoyed my time there and that helped me get here. Tonight I just wanted to fight through every play and be physical and vocal.”
Navigating the Chaos
The final half hour became increasingly physical with both teams battling for control. Nine yellow cards were shown during the match.
Carolina Core looked for long balls and quick transitions in an attempt to stretch Atlanta’s defense, something Chica said the back line anticipated.
“They look for that long ball in behind all the time,” he said. “So we were always communicating and keeping the line organized.”
Atlanta managed the closing minutes well enough to protect its lead.
Development at the Center of the Project
Silva said the match showed exactly what a second team environment is designed to do.
“You have players coming from the academy and players coming from the first team,” Silva said. “The most important thing is the identity of the team and fighting for the group. That helps the individual players grow.”
Atlanta’s young squad showed strong flashes of that identity throughout the night, including creative moments from Santiago Pita, defensive leadership from veterans like Chica, and a spark from the bench from young players like Seyi Fakiyesi and DD Sibrian.
Match Notes
Cayman Togashi scored Atlanta United 2’s first goal of the 2026 season
Daniel Chica scored his first goal for the club
Jayden Hibbert made his 30th career appearance for ATL UTD 2
Nine yellow cards were issued, the most in an MLS NEXT Pro match this season
Atlanta recorded 12 shots with six on target
Atlanta United 2 returns to action Sunday, March 15 when it hosts Huntsville City FC at Turner Soccer Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm, our pregame coverage on the SDH Network will start at 6:30.