Jamal Thiaré scores the winning goal as Atlanta United beat Toronto FC

Atlanta United created magic Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

In the second half’s added time, the 1-1 game against Toronto seemed to be coming to an end. Atlanta United had just made a last stand on a corner kick recovered by Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran. As time went by, the two Eastern Conference teams seemed set to draw and take a point each.

As Gavran headed towards the top of the box holding the ball about to clear it, he didn’t seem to notice Thiaré sneaking up behind him. The goalkeeper put the ball on the field, and at the right moment, Thiaré saw his window. He slipped inside and emptied the goalie’s pocket. The striker spun towards goal, Gavran chasing after him in panic and fired a shot into the open net. The incredible result in the 97th minute sent the Mercedes-Benz Stadium into a frenzy of joy and exhilaration.

“I would say I’m on the younger side when it comes to coaching and playing, but I’ve never seen anything like this,” interim head coach Rob Valentino said during his press conference. ‘post-match. “I joked with Dax (McCarty), after he sprinted ridiculously down the sideline, that he’s been playing for 20 years now and I bet he’s never seen a game finish like that -there. It was amazing, weird, but I’m glad we’re on that side. »

Atlanta United won the match 2-1, their first home victory since March. Being on the right side of the pitch, the decisive goal extended Atlanta United’s current unbeaten run to four under Valentino – two wins, two draws.

“I think we really needed that win, not just a win, but a home win to give back to the fans because they deserve it emotionally,” Caleb Wiley said. “It gave us a confidence boost. We’re back on the road next week, two road games, two tough opponents. So the guys are in a good mood after that win and we’ll go to New England and try to do the same thing.”