Atlanta United eliminates Toronto from MLS playoff picture with 3-1 win
Atlanta United secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Toronto FC, effectively eliminating the hosts from the MLS playoff picture following a 3-1 win on Sunday.
Miguel Almiron and Alexey Miranchuk each scored a goal and provided an assist for Atlanta, while Cooper Sanchez added another goal to the American side's tally. The match marked Atlanta's ninth win of the season, lifting them out of a six-game winless streak at their home stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Almiron opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a goal after a clever give-and-go with Miranchuk, allowing him to beat Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran. Sanchez extended Atlanta's lead with a goal in the 40th minute, capitalizing on a one-on-one opportunity with the Toronto goalkeeper.
Miranchuk secured the third goal for Atlanta in the 51st minute, finishing off a rebound from Almiron's shot on target. Toronto managed to score once, with Lewis Morgan netting a goal in the 79th minute.
Having failed to win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium since October 2017, Toronto FC's elimination from playoff contention marked the sixth consecutive season they have been left out of the postseason.
Looking ahead, Toronto will face the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, while Atlanta United will travel to meet the New York Red Bulls.
Written by urgent.news from Winnipeg Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
