Atlanta United successful in second preseason match, 2-1, over B’Ham

Atlanta United forward Cayman Togashi (above with ball) controls the ball during the first half against the Birmingham Legion at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta UnitedBIRMINGHAM, AL. – On Saturday, Feb. 1, Atlanta United played their second preseason match against USL Championship side Birmingham Legion FC at Protective Stadium in downtown Birmingham.& Atlanta won the match 2-0, which included a second-half own-goal by Birmingham. The match was another opportunity for first-year Atlanta United manager Ronny Deila to get a look at some of the squad’s younger and newer players. Along with Noah Cobb and Jay Fortune, new signee, Japanese striker Cayman Togashi, and 2025 MLS Super Draft selection, midfielder Will Reilly started the match. The starting lineup also included backup goalkeeper Josh Cohen. Togashi scored his first-ever goal for Atlanta in the 25th minute of the match on a pass from Ronald Hernandez. Cohen was tested throughout the first half on several occasions. He didn’t earn a save during the match, but that’s a good thing, according to Deila, who said he rather see a scoreless game because there weren’t many attempts at scoring from the opponents. Cohen will be necessary...