Birthday Boy Thiaré Leads Atlanta to Dominant Win

In front of 42,000 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on yesterday, Atlanta United hosted Chicago Fire. It was a picture perfect Sunday afternoon, and the Five Stripes were ready to put on a show for their adoring fans.

But there was an extra jolt of excitement in the air, because one player in particular was celebrating his birthday. Jamal Thiaré, the Senegalese striker who joined the team just last summer, was turning 26. And boy did he give himself one heck of a present. Thiaré came off the bench and scored not one, but two beautiful goals to lead Atlanta to a dominant 3-0 victory over Chicago. It was a coming out party for the birthday boy, who announced his arrival in MLS in stunning fashion.

Right from kickoff, Atlanta was in control. In the 9th minute, Giakoumakis forced a turnover and allowed Saba Lobjanidze to get a tight-angle shot on goal. Though off target, Giakoumakis chased the rebound but also missed.

Thiago Almada began combining with Lobjanidze on the left, nearly scoring in the 14th and 16th minutes. Atlanta kept pressing and ultimately broke through just before halftime.

In the 45th minute, Guzan made a save and quickly found Almada who slipped it to Xande Silva. Silva crossed it to Giakoumakis who toe-poked it in – his 5th of the season.

Needing some offensive firepower in the second half, coach Gonzalo Pineda brought on Thiaré, Edwin Mosquera and Jay Fortune, hoping for an immediate impact. Did they ever deliver. Mere seconds after coming on, Thiaré headed in a perfect cross from Brooks Lennon for his first goal with Atlanta. The crowd went wild as Thiaré celebrated his birthday present to himself.

Icing the Cake

With Chicago down a man after a red card, Atlanta kept pressing for a third goal to put the game away. Deep into stoppage time, Thiaré got his wish. Ezequiel Barco had a shot hit the post, and the ball fell right to Thiaré. He deftly avoided a defender and smashed it into the net for his second goal. What a way to celebrate your birthday – with your first two goals for your new club in front of a packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Statement Win at Home

This dominant win made it three straight at home for Atlanta marking the 99th win in MLS regular season match. Giakoumakis moved into second all-time in club goals. Atlanta’s second straight home clean sheet showed their defensive strength.

Most importantly, the additions of Thiaré and others have given Atlanta dynamic scoring options to pair with Giakoumakis. This depth and firepower could lead Atlanta to greater success this season.

So there you have it. Atlanta United came out of the gates flying and never looked back, dominating Chicago Fire from start to finish. Thiaré was the hero of the day, scoring a brace to lead the Five Stripes to a comfortable 3-0 win at home. His two goals on his birthday shows he’s ready to make an impact after biding his time since arriving last summer. With the victory, Atlanta extends its home winning streak to three and continues its push up the Eastern Conference standings. The club will look to keep rolling when Atlanta  (3-2-0, 9 points) returns to action Saturday, April 6 when it travels to face New York City FC at Citi Field 7:30 p.m. ET.