Three of Atlanta United’s Homegrown signings put in good shifts for Atlanta United 2 in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Charlotte.
Striker Lagos Kunga scored a goal after completing a move that would make Fred Astaire envious, left fullback George Bello forced an own goal with a rampaging run up the left, and midfielder Chris Goslin helped organize the midfield for the USL team in the first road game of its inaugural season.
“Our team, we have a lot of very good, young talent,” centerback A.J. Cochran said. “We were very impressed with Lagos, Chris, George. These guys come motivated every day to train. They are fighting to get into the MLS squad, so they stay motivated.”
Bello, 16 and with his mom and dad watching, gave Atlanta United 2 a lead after he originally was credited with a goal in the 28th minute. It was later ruled to be an own goal.
“It was a surreal moment, even if it wasn’t my goal at the end of it,” said Bello, a resident of Douglasville.
Bello’s ability to switch from defense to attack is among the reasons he is considered one of the top prospects in the U.S.
“For George, he sees the moment in the game and he goes,” Atlanta United 2 coach Scott Donnelly said. “We have no hesitation putting him on the field and trusting him for 90.”
With the score tied 1-1, Kunga gave Atlanta United 2 a 2-1 lead with a goal that required him to beat two defenders to the touchline before punching a shot through the goalkeeper leg’s from virtually no angle in the 82nd minute.
“It was amazing,” Goslin said. “Lagos went insane after he scored.”
Goslin’s performance may have been the most impressive because he didn’t return from Spain and duty with the U.S. Under-20 national team until Wednesday. He trained with Atlanta United 2 on Thursday, traveled to Charlotte on Friday and, though feeling the effects of jet lag, started Saturday night’s game. He trained with Atlanta United on Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s game against LAFC on Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta United 2 will host Penn FC on Sunday at Coolray Field.
“With all three teams, it’s the same style of play so it’s not that hard,” he said. “I’m comfortable with the guys on all three teams so it has to be a little bit of adjustment going from first team back down.”
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