ATL Standard

Atlanta United created a memorable moment Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In second-half stoppage time, the 1-1 match with Toronto FC appeared to be concluding in a draw. Atlanta United had just defended a corner kick that Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran collected. As time dwindled, both Eastern Conference teams seemed set to share points.

However, Jamal Thiaré had other plans. As Gavran prepared to clear the ball, he failed to notice Thiaré approaching from behind. When Gavran placed the ball on the pitch, Thiaré seized his opportunity. He intercepted the ball and maneuvered towards the goal, with Gavran in pursuit, and scored into an open net in the 97th minute. The dramatic finish sent Mercedes-Benz Stadium into an uproar.

“I would say I’m on the younger side of coaching and the younger side of being in the game, but I have never seen anything like that," interim head coach Rob Valentino said post-match. "I made the joke to Dax [McCarty], after I ridiculously went sprinting down the sideline, that he has played 20 years now and I bet he has never seen a finish like that. It was incredible, bizarre, but I’m glad we’re on this side of it.”

Atlanta United won 2-1, marking their first home victory since March and extending their undefeated streak under Valentino to four games (two wins and two draws).

"I think we really needed that win," Caleb Wiley said. "Not just a win, but a win at home to get back to the fans because they emotionally deserve that."

Valentino's team created several opportunities early on but struggled to convert them into shots. A notable chance came when Thiago Almada sent a through ball to Wiley, who crossed dangerously into the box without finding a teammate.

Toronto FC initially thought they had scored in the 25th minute when Lorenzo Insigne headed in a cross from Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty. However, after video review for offside, the goal was disallowed.

In first-half stoppage time, Atlanta United took the lead through Thiago Almada after combining with Daniel Ríos inside Toronto’s box. Almada’s goal was his sixth of the MLS regular season for 2024.

Toronto quickly responded at the start of the second half with Federico Bernardeschi equalizing in the 46th minute.

"We knew that switches of play were going to be something we would struggle with," Valentino noted regarding Toronto's goal.

Derrick Williams nearly restored Atlanta’s lead later in the match but was denied by Gavran's fingertip save over the crossbar.

Thiaré replaced Ríos as a substitute in the 59th minute and narrowly missed another scoring opportunity off a Brooks Lennon cross in the 84th minute before securing his game-winning goal.

Despite looking poised for a shutout earlier on, Atlanta United's defense held firm against Toronto’s relentless attacks late in regulation time.

"Overall, our communication was really good," center back Noah Cobb said about their defensive efforts.

Atlanta United will now prepare for an extended road trip facing New England Revolution and Real Salt Lake next week before returning for matches against CF Montréal and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup action.