Atlanta United 2 also lost

While most of us were watching the atrocity at Nissan Stadium take place, Atlanta United 2 fell 2-1 at home to The Miami FC on Saturday night at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.

Some good news? Academy midfielder Ajani Fortune scored his first professional goal.

But first, Romario Williams pounced on a rebound in the 20th minute and slotted the ball past Ben Lundgaard, who had stopped the initial free kick by Tomas Granitto with a save to his right.

The 2s responded just a couple of minutes later though through Fortune. Following a Jack Gurr cross in the box, Jackson Conway’s touch was cleared by a Miami defender, but the clearance went right into the path of Fortune, who curled the ball from 18 yards into the top corner for the 1-1 equalizer.

Tony Annan said after the game: “Obviously, I’m over the moon when it’s another Academy product getting us back into the match. It was a fantastic strike from (Ajani) Fortune, who I thought was absolutely brilliant tonight.”

Miami took the lead once again in the 49th minute. Following a corner kick, Atlanta’s defense was not able to clear its lines and the ball fell to Miguel Gonzalez at the edge of the penalty area. His right-footed shot arrowed into the bottom left corner for the 2-1 Miami lead. In the 71st minute, Coleman Gannon had a good opportunity after Gurr played him into the box. Gannon took a touch and turned, but his right-footed shot flashed wide of the far post.

In the closing minutes of the match, Gannon had another good opportunity that was blocked at the last second, while in stoppage time, Jackson Conway flicked on a long ball into the path of Amir Bashti, but his left-footed strike was saved to give Miami the three points.

ATL UTD 2 (2-8-3, 9 points) will be back in action on Sept. 16 when they host Tampa Bay Rowdies at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Group H action (7:30 p.m., ESPN+).