Back-and-Forth Battle Ends in 2-2 Draw for Atlanta and Philadelphia

Atlanta United welcomed the Philadelphia Union to the Benz on Sunday afternoon. But the Five Stripes had to settle for just one after a thrilling 2-2 draw in front of a packed house. Both sides battled to an action-packed stalemate that felt more like a loss than a gain. So how’d we get here? Let’s break it down.

Atlanta Strikes First

After a scoreless first half, Atlanta United came out firing in the second frame. In the 55th minute, Caleb Wiley collected a clearance and found Thiago Almada, who slipped a pass to Brooks Lennon. Lennon immediately played it back to Almada, who crossed to Daniel Ríos at the far post. Ríos outjumped his marker and headed it in, scoring his first goal for the Five Stripes.

Wiley Wonder Goal Doubles the Lead

Less than 10 minutes later, Wiley delivered a stunning strike from 30 yards out to make it 2-0. Edwin Mosquera was tackled near the top of the box, and the ball rolled to Wiley. He took one touch and unleashed a low laser into the bottom left corner.

Philadelphia Fights Back

The Union refused to go quietly, though. In the 71st minute, Saba Lobjanidze nearly added a third, but his curling shot missed the top corner by inches. Two minutes later, Mikael Uhre pounced on a poor back pass and scored to cut the lead in half.

Philadelphia then leveled the match in the 77th minute. They earned a throw-in which was put into the box, where Wiley headed it to the top of the 18. Kai Wagner one-timed a looping shot just inside the area into the top left corner, making it 2-2.

Late Chances Can’t Find a Winner

Atlanta pushed for a winner and had two good looks late. In the 87th minute, Mosquera dribbled into the box and crossed to Lobjanidze, who hit the left post. Then in stoppage time, a counter led to Lobjanidze squaring for Almada, but his shot was saved.

The 2-2 draw means Atlanta United (3-2-2, 11 points) remain unbeaten at home. They’ll look to pick up three points when they host FC Cincinnati on Saturday, April 20.