Edwin Mosquera’s Late Heroics Seal Thrilling 3-2 Victory for Atlanta United in Season Opener

Atlanta United kicked off its 2025 MLS season with a dramatic 3-2 victory over CF Montreal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday night. In front of a raucous crowd of 65,520—the third-largest attendance in world soccer this weekend—Edwin Mosquera delivered the late-game winner, while club debutant Mário “Latte” Lath stole the show with a brace.

Latte Lath made an immediate impact, becoming the first Atlanta United player to score twice in his club debut. Meanwhile, Miguel Almirón made a triumphant return to Atlanta, assisting on Mosquera’s decisive 85th-minute strike and adding another assist in the match.

Fast Start and First-Half Dominance

Atlanta United came out aggressively, pressuring Montreal’s defense early. Latte Lath showcased his blistering speed in the opening minutes, nearly scoring in the fifth minute with a low shot that forced a save from Jonathan Sirois. The home side continued to test Montreal’s defense, with Saba Lobjanidze and Bartosz Slisz both coming close to breaking the deadlock.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 41st minute. Lobjanidze curled a pinpoint corner into the box, where Latte Lath rose above the defenders and powered a header into the right side of the net. Atlanta took a well-earned 1-0 lead into halftime.

Montreal’s Fightback and Latte Lath’s Second Goal

Montreal responded quickly after the break, equalizing just two minutes into the second half. Prince Owusu delivered a cross to the back post, finding an unmarked Nathan Saliba, who nodded the ball past Brad Guzan.

Atlanta, however, regained the lead in the 63rd minute through its newest Designated Player. Ronald Hernández initiated the attack with a well-placed cross, finding Almirón, whose header forced a save from Sirois. Latte Lath was perfectly positioned to pounce on the rebound, slotting the ball into the bottom left corner for his second goal of the night.

Late Drama Unfolds

Latte Lath came close to a hat trick just minutes later, but Sirois made a spectacular save to deny him. Montreal capitalized on the missed opportunity in the 71st minute, leveling the score once again. Former Atlanta United Homegrown player George Campbell headed a corner back across the goal for Owusu, who tapped in the equalizer.

Atlanta refused to settle for a draw and found its game-winning moment in the 85th minute. A swift counterattack involving all three of Atlanta’s Designated Players—Alexey Miranchuk, Latte Lath, and Almirón—set up Mosquera on the right wing. The Colombian winger cut inside and unleashed a curling shot into the far right corner, sending the stadium into pandemonium. Almirón’s assist marked his 50th career goal contribution for Atlanta United, moving him into fourth place in club

Closing Out the Victory

Montreal pressed for a last-minute equalizer, forcing Guzan into action with a critical save on a Tom Pearce free kick in the 89th minute. Atlanta’s defense held firm through 10 minutes of stoppage time to secure all three points and begin the 2025 campaign on a high note.

Atlanta United (1-0-0, 3 points) now turns its focus to its next match, a road clash against Charlotte FC on Saturday, March 1, at Bank of America Stadium (2 p.m. ET).