League Play-Off

MercedesBenz Stadium
Spectators: 35 (Terracing: 27, Seating: 8, VIP seats: 0) The mood of the audience was pleasant when Jim Brownell made the kick off which started today's match. Teddy Turner hit a great freekick 2 minutes into the match. After having played for 4 minutes, Aaron Zapata managed to get in a good position for a shot on goal. Raleigh's supporters crossed their fingers, but Aaron Zapata was, after a quick turn that froze the defenders, out of balance and shot the ball just to the right of the goal. Richard Fields showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Aaron Zapata in the 6th minute of the match. After 8 played minutes, Raleigh's Gerard Mackey shot from a long distance, and at first it looked like the ball was going into the goal, but the goalkeeper Richard Fields came through and got his fingers on the ball before it flew over the goal line. He then quickly gripped the ball tighter before the forwards in Raleigh reached it. In the 12th minute, Teddy Turner hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. A collision led to Atlanta United FC getting a freekick after 14 minutes play. Casey Gates hit a great ball. Richard Fields made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Jim Brownell in the 30th minute of play. An unexpectedly hard shot by Milo Petersen in the 32nd minute of play forced Raleigh's goalkeeper Jason Beyer to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. After a defensive mix-up in Raleigh's zone, Milo Petersen stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Jason Beyer came out of the goal and Milo Petersen tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. Richard Fields made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Jim Brownell in the 38th minute of play. Ervin Deaton hit a great freekick 42 minutes into the match. Aaron Zapata fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 43rd minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Richard Fields having to interfere. Richard Fields showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Jim Brownell, who was totally free with the ball in the 45th minute. The away team players looked dejected as the walked off the pitch at half time. They had fought hard, but were still losing 1-0.

The players of the away team seemed most concentrated when Milo Petersen stepped up to make the kick off in the second half. Jason Beyer took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Milo Petersen, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. With a little luck, Atlanta United FC's Richard Fields got control of the ball when Aaron Zapata tried to sneak it across the goal line. Atlanta United FC's goalkeeper couldn't reach when Jim Brownell 59 minutes into the game got a good kick on the ball which found its way into goal just inside left pole. 1-1. Jim Brownell sent away a hard shot on goal in the 64th minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. A very good chance for a goal. If Aaron Zapata had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 66th minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. Richard Fields took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Jim Brownell, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. Aaron Zapata might have been able to make a better finish in the 68th minute when he tried to place a hard shot over Richard Fields. Instead the ball went over the crossbar and out. Aaron Zapata ran back to his position shaking his head. In the 74th minute, Aaron Zapata left the goalkeeper for dead before tapping the ball into the right side of the net. The Raleigh fans were clearly happy with the effort and the scoreboard reflected the new score: 1-2. 77 minutes into the match, Atlanta United FC's goalkeeper Richard Fields had to clear away a ball on his right side after a cunning shot by Aaron Zapata. Aaron Zapata's shot when he came free in front of the goal in the 79thth minute, Richard Fields skillfully showed off with a save to what seemed to be an obvious goal. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Jim Brownell in the 88th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Richard Fields saved Atlanta United FC from getting behind. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Teddy Turner in the 89th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Richard Fields saved Atlanta United FC from getting behind. In the 95th minute, Whitney Cabrera hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Richard Fields made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Jim Brownell in the 96th minute of play. When the final whistle was heard the away supporters stood up and showed their joy. Raleigh had managed to secure a win in what was a close match throughout.