Match Recap: Huntsville City FC hang on, beat Atlanta United II 1-0
On Wednesday in a rainy Athens, Georgia, Huntsville City went on the road and collected a vital three points after dispatching Atlanta United 2 by a score of 1-0. The game’s only goal came from a Christian Koffi penalty in first-half stoppage time.
The result pushes the Rocket Men back into third place in the Eastern Conference, on 22 points in their 12 fixtures played so far.
Let’s take a look.
Lineup
Erik Lauta remained in goal as he likely will do until Xavier Valdez and the Dominican Republic are at the Gold Cup. Ahead of him, the back four was Blake Bowen, Zach Barrett, Kevin Carmichael, and a first MLS Next Pro start for academy product Gabi Alonso, who arrived from Inter Miami just a few months ago.
In the midfield, Moises Véliz and Phillip Mayaka supported a front four of Damien Barker John, Chiristian Koffi, Alan Carleton, and the false nine of Pep Casas.
Off the bench, head coach Chris O’Neal called upon Adem Sipic, Gunnar Studenhofft, Ethan O’Brien, Kessy Coulibaly and Tyshawn Rose.
The Numbers
Huntsville City FC
Shots: 11
Shots on goal: 5
Corners: 5
Possession: 60%
Yellow Cards: 4 (Phillip Mayaka, Alan Carleton, Erik Lauta, Tyshawn Rose)
Atlanta United FC 2
Shots: 13
Shots on goal: 3
Corners: 4
Possession: 40%
Yellow Cards: 2 (Moises Tablante, Toto Majub)
Analysis
Huge win against a team that gave Huntsville a ton of problems last time they faced one another. How about a round of applause for Gabi Alonso, who was very dangerous going forward and putting early balls into the box. He got caught in behind a couple times, but you take that with teenagers making their first professional start.
A lot to like from him, and in truth much of the squad. Pep Casas in the false nine role, believe it or not, actually worked? Quite well? He really unsettled the Atlanta backline which allowed the fullbacks to get forward, and it was Blake Bowen who drew the handball that led to Christian Koffi’s penalty goal.
Huntsville’s next game is on June 20th at home against Crown Legacy, we’ll see you then!