Atlanta United 2 earns a point in a 2-2 draw against Chattanooga

Atlanta United 2 came back twice in a 2-2 draw to secure one point at home against Chattanooga FC while the visitors took home the extra point in the penalty shootout.

It was a very back and fourth match for the first few minutes. Both sides would continue to create plenty of chances, but neither would find the back of the net in the first half.

In the second half, Atlanta would continue to create opportunities, but Chattanooga would take the lead in the 64th minute. Tate Robertson took a shot inside the box and Markus Nagelstad got a touch to it to put the ball past Josh Cohen.

"It was a bit of a scrappy game. I thought in the first half we gave the ball away way too cheaply and when you do that, you're gonna be up against it. I think both of us had a couple of good chances. [In the] second half, I think we had a lot more of the ball and probably a little bit more of the momentum, but they still created a couple of good chances," said Head Coach Steve Cooke.

"Defensively, I thought were a little bit lacking in that department today. The reality is it is a good response and a good way to come back and tie a game again. Hopefully next time we're on the front foot and we get the first goal, but proud of them for coming back that way, but I thought some sloppy play of our own got us in that position in the first place."

After checking into the match in the 68th minute, Rodrigo Neri would tie things up in the 78th minute for Atlanta. Ryan Carmichael delivered a ball into the box that found Cayman Togashi who played a short pass to Neri and found the back of the net to make it 1-1.

In the 87th minute, Chattanooga was able to make it 2-1. Robert Screen fired a shot that Cohen pushed out, but Keegan Ancelin capitalized on the deflected ball.

Atlanta fought to find an equalizer and they would find it in stoppage time. Javier Armas floated a ball into the box that Togashi headed down to Neri who took one touch and volleyed it past Eldin Jakupovic.

"I'm super happy for the two goals and it's what a striker needs and is expected of him. It's more so just keep working, being humble, looking at the reality that we need to get that first win," said Rodrigo Neri. "We need to keep improving each day in training individually and as a team. It's just more so keeping two feet on the ground and just pushing forward because the season's very long."

After a hard fought battle, Atanta would earn a point, but a penalty shootout would decide who took home the second.

"Yesterday, [ with the] first team, [we] saw it, amazing comeback. Probably no one believed in them but themselves, but us here in Atlanta, since we arrived, we know that's something expected of us," said Neri when asked about the fight and character of the team. "It's a personality you have to have. You have to have that strength, that mental toughness to no matter what, keep pushing forward."

Jakupovic was able to save Togashi's shot to give the visitors the lead, but Cohen came back and saved Nick Mendonca's shot to keep Atlanta in the shootout. Jakupovic was able to stop Luke Brennan as Chattanooga earned the extra point and won the penalty shootout 4-3.

"That's something I really value. The ability to work hard, no matter the circumstances, persevere, show that grit as you call it, and that determination. The just sheer will to compete and to perform is the most important thing. I think when you get that, you've got a real chance," said Cooke when asked about the fight the team showed in today's performance.

"Nowadays, we all go through scouting with analytics and data and that's great, but one of the biggest things I would say that needs to be scouted these days are players of character and players of real toughness and discipline. I think we've got that in abundance. We've got a real good group of guys. I'm really grateful to be working with them, and helping them along with their careers because if it was all about just that effort and commitment, I think many of them will do really well in the game.

Atlanta United 2 is back in action Sunday, April 6 as the 2's host Inter Miami II at Fifth Third Stadium. You can listen to the match on soccerdownhere.mixlr.com as pregame coverage will begin at 7:00 p.m. and we will have the call for you at 7:30 p.m.