New York Red Bulls II secured a 2:1 victory over Atlanta United II in MLS Next Pro's Group Stage at the Training Ground Children's Healthcare of Atlanta on 14 August 2026. The visitors took all three points to move closer to the top of the standings, while the hosts dropped further behind their rivals.
C. Gallagher gave Atlanta United II the lead in the 41st minute, but the momentum shifted before the break. A. Jardines picked up a yellow card in the 45th minute, and just two minutes later A. Rojas converted a penalty to level the scores. By then the first half had delivered more drama than expected.
Red Bulls II responded immediately after the restart. E. Dovlo scored in the 47th minute to put the visitors ahead, and they held on despite Atlanta's attempts to find an equaliser. The hosts threw bodies forward but could not break through a defence that stayed compact.
and here's the thing about this match — Atlanta United II dominated possession at 54 per cent and registered seven shots on target, yet Red Bulls II were more clinical with their chances. Both sides ended with seven shots on target, but the visitors converted two while the hosts could only manage one. Shots accuracy tells the story: Atlanta United II hit 50 per cent of their attempts on target compared to 37 per cent for the visitors.
Coaches made several changes in the second half, with Atlanta United II bringing on T. Majub, I. Suarez, A. Torres, D. Chong-Qui, J. Bori, B. Rodriguez, C. Gallagher, C. Faello, A. Rojas and A. Jardines across the final 45 minutes. Three yellow cards were shown to Atlanta United II players — Jardines, Chica and M. Morigi — while M. Senanou also received a booking for the visitors.
The result leaves Atlanta United II in third place on 42 points from 25 games, while Red Bulls II sit second with 44 points. Both sides have played 25 matches with no draws recorded, and this defeat extends Atlanta United II's struggles in group stage encounters where they have been second to everything in terms of consistency.
