Miguel Almirón's first goal back for Atlanta United sparks emotional win | OneFootball

By Justin Horneker

Miguel Almirón’s first goal back for Atlanta United was the catalyst for what might be a season-defining victory.

The returning club legend, acquired this offseason from English Premier League side Newcastle United, scored the 75th-minute equalizer ahead of Emmanuel Latte Lath's dramatic winner in Atlanta's wild 4-3 comeback victory over New York City FC Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Trailing 3-1 midway through the second half, the Five Stripes looked destined to drop points for a fifth straight contest, despite Designated Player Alexey Miranchuk opening his 2025 account earlier in the match.

“We were not even close to where we want to be,” Atlanta coach Ronny Deila said post-match.

But a Keaton Parks own goal opened the door in the 62nd minute before the Five Stripes' other two DPs stepped up to finish the comeback.

WATCH: Getting Miggy with it! Almirón scores his first in Atlanta return

Stars save the day

Almirón’s 23rd all-time Atlanta goal, a towering headed finish that was his first for the Five Stripes since November 2018, was clearly appreciated by the rowdy crowd at the Benz.

"Just words of gratitude for the fans of Atlanta," said the 31-year-old Paraguayan international. "As I said earlier, they deserve that we give them these types of games and this win because they make a huge effort to get tickets to come to fill the stadium and we value that a lot."

The Atlanta faithful were further treated to Latte Lath’s 84th-minute winner.

The MLS-record incoming transfer (reported $22 million plus add-ons) rushed onto Brad Guzan’s excellent ball over the top of NYCFC’s backline and took advantage of a miscommunication between center back Thiago Martins and goalkeeper Matt Freese, poking the ball past the opposing 'keeper after muscling Martins out of the play for his fifth goal of the season.

It was just the second time in club history Atlanta rallied to win following a two-goal deficit. The first came against the San Jose Earthquakes in 2018, a season that would end in Atlanta winning MLS Cup, led by Almirón and Josef Martínez.

Could history repeat itself again this year?

High standards

That’s ultimately the goal for the Five Stripes, especially after a high-spending offseason. But for now, Deila believes his club has the baseline going forward.

"To end up winning 4-3, I do think we deserved something tonight because of the chances we had," Deila said.

“But the way we played the last half an hour, that’s where we want to be and what we’re aiming for.”

Atlanta will look to build on the emotional win, just their second of the year, when they host FC Dallas on April 5 (7:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass, Apple TV+).

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