Atlanta United Starting XI pose prior to during the match against Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, United States on Saturday September 10, 2022. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta United)

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PURATA PURATA PURATA Lead The Five Stripes To Victory

By Yakiri Thomas / September 11, 2022
Photo Courtesy of Atlanta United: Atlanta United starting XI prior to during match vs. Toronto FC

 

Atlanta United returned home to play Toronto FC on Saturday at the Mercedes Benz Stadium for a must win game without striker Josef Martinez who was suspended for one game due to conduct that is detrimental to the team.

Ahead of the match Atlanta held onto the 11th place of the Eastern Conference Standings on 33 points with five matches remaining, one point below Toronto and six points from the playoff line and seventh place.

After a scoreless half Atlanta came back strong with Juanjo Purata scoring the first goal of the night and Brooke Lennon’s sixth assist of the season.

In the 52nd minute Toronto FC fought back to even the score 1-1.

Atlanta quickly attacked with Juanjo Purato scoring another goal to put the Five Stripes in front of Toronto.

Toronto came back after Purata was ruled to have fouled Jesus Jimenez. Federico Bernardeschi scored the penalty to even the score 2-2.

In the 74th minute Thiago Almada scored a goal to put Atlanta back on top. It was Almada’s fifth goal of the season and Mosquera’s second assist.

Purato closed out the game with his hat trick in the 88th minute, marking his season tally to six goals also making him the highest-scoring defender in club history and the fourth player to record a hat trick.

With the 4-2 win Atlanta is keeping the hope of a playoff spot alive. In front of a crowd of 42,760 fans the team recorded its highest expected goals mark of the year with 3.62.

“The truth is tonight is a very crazy night. It’s not common for a central defender to score three goals but tonight it happened to me. But it’s because of the work from everyone on the team.”said Purata.

“I think today was the best day in terms of expected goals, we think. It was a very good game in terms of chances created. We are very happy with that, as well.” said Atlanta United Head Coach Gonzalo Pineda.

Up Next: Atlanta (9-12-9, 36 points) travels to Exploria Stadium to take on Orlando City on Wednesday, Sept. 14. at 6:00 p.m.

 

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