Rocket City United played host to the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves in Huntsville, AL which resulted in a 2-1 win for Atlanta. Early battles for possession and great defense on both sides set the tone early in the game. The Reserves eventually maintained possession long enough to advance and take shots as forward Christopher Duvall sailed an early shot over the top of the crossbar. Soon after, Atlanta midfielder Josey Portillo launched a 25-yarder that squeezed in between Rocket City’s goalkeeper and the crossbar for the first goal of the game. Later chances by Rocket City, including a header off of a set piece and a long shot could not find the back of the net in the first half. Atlanta entered the half leading Rocket City 1-0.

The second half of the game saw a lot more action, with both teams taking more shots on goal. The intensity picked up with more fouls and yellow cards, while the first half saw only one yellow. Atlanta goalkeeper CJ Cochran had three solid saves and was looking at a shut-out until the Rockets’ Amoura Barritault gathered a rebound off Cochran’s hands and rolled it back in for the equalizer in the 79^th minute. Atlanta’s second-half substitution Nick Burton scored the game-winning goal from inside the 18-yard box seven minutes later as the Reserves held on to win.

Looking ahead, the Reserves will face off against Georgia Revolution on Saturday, 5/26. The home game will take place at Columbus State University and hopes to see support from the hundreds of club teams competing at State Cup that weekend in Columbus. The game promises to be a battle, with Revolution coming off of a tough 0-1 loss to the Silverbacks Pro Team on Tuesday. Kick-off is at 7:30 p.m.