Four players showed flashes of what Atlanta United may expect this season in Charleston’s 1-1 draw with Columbus in the second round of the Carolina Challenge Cup on Wednesday.
Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis, midfielders Chris Goslin and Jeffrey Otoo and forward Romario Williams started for Charleston, Atlanta United’s USL affiliate.
The three field players lined up in a triangle — Williams as a forward, Goslin a central midfielder and Otoo a wide midfielder — on the left side of Charleston’s formation.
Williams had a good run in the 14th minute when he drove three defenders into the penalty box before eventually losing the ball.
Williams made another nice play when he received a clearance from the penalty box and drew a foul in the 17th minute to relieve the pressure building in Charleston’s half.
Otoo didn’t look as sharp early, but grew into the game. He had a chance to release Williams behind the defense early in the first half, but his pass was intercepted by the final defender. He also accidentally touched a pass out of bounds for a throw-in in the 18th minute.
Otoo made up for that in the 20th minute when he released Williams down the middle, but his shot rolled wide when he had only the goalkeeper to beat. Williams received a yellow card in the 24th minute for what was interpreted to be a late tackle, but it appeared to be Williams slipping.
Otoo played an indirect role in Charleston’s opening goal in the 26th minute. It was his cross that was knocked out for a corner kick that resulted in a headed goal by Forrest Lasso.
Williams made another good run in the 40th minute, splitting two defenders and then hitting a no-look pass into space for Ataulla Guerra to run into. But the linesmen ruled Guerra offside. The play started with Otoo tracking back to break up a Columbus attack.
Goslin, who played well for Charleston in Saturday’s 1-1 tie with Seattle, didn’t get many opportunities against Columbus. He was subbed at halftime.
Tambakis faced two shots on goal before he was subbed at halftime. Otoo was also subbed at halftime.
Williams earned a free kick just outside the penalty box in the 57th minute. Williams was later subbed.
Goslin, 16 and a native of Locust Grove, said he hasn’t given much though to whether he’d rather get loaned to Charleston, where he may play more than if he stays with Atlanta. It hasn’t been decided if Goslin will be loaned.
“I’m just taking it one step a time,” he said. “It’s been really great to sign with Atlanta United. I’m not sure what the future holds.”
Williams, who played with Charleston last season while on loan with Montreal before going to Atlanta in a trade in December, said he will do whatever is asked of him by the team. If he is loaned, there is a recall clause in his contract. Williams said his agent is in discussions with Atlanta United on what’s next. Williams has yet to train with Atlanta United this preseason because he was called into Jamaica’s camp.
Otoo will be on loan with Charleston this season, but there is recall clause in his contract. He was also with Charleston for part of last season. Battery coach Mike Anhaeuser said he wants to see Otoo continue to grow as a player. He said last year that Otoo, who was signed from a club in Ghana, was sometimes nervous, giving away the ball. He said he’s already seen growth from Otoo in the first two games. After starting as a forward in the first game, a 1-1 draw with Seattle, before sliding back for Wednesday’s game.
“We’re looking for him to take it to another level,” Anhaeuser said.
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