Atlanta United Stages Thrilling Comeback to Defeat NYCFC 4-3

Atlanta United delivered a dramatic second-half comeback on Saturday night, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat New York City FC 4-3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in front of 42,518 fans. Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón, and Latte Lath each found the back of the net, while Saba Lobjanidze played a pivotal role with an assist and a forced own goal.

Early Struggles and a Late First-Half Equalizer

Atlanta United started the match with attacking intent, nearly taking the lead in the fifth minute. Goalkeeper Brad Guzan launched a long ball to Miranchuk, who quickly released Latte Lath down the left side. However, a closing defender forced Lath into a tight-angle shot that found the side netting.

NYCFC struck first in the 15th minute after a deep throw-in led to Alonso Martinez breaking through the defense. While Guzan saved the initial shot, Hannes Wolf pounced on the rebound and slotted home a low finish to put the visitors ahead.

Despite the setback, Atlanta leveled the match just before halftime. A counterattack appeared to stall when Miguel Almirón’s pass to Latte Lath was intercepted, but Mateusz Klich kept the play alive. The Polish midfielder launched a diagonal ball to Lobjanidze, who controlled it brilliantly before dashing into the box. His low cross bypassed Almirón but found Latte Lath, who set up Miranchuk for a powerful strike into the bottom corner in the 42nd minute—marking his first goal of the season and Lath’s first assist with the club.

NYCFC Pulls Ahead, But Atlanta Responds

New York City reasserted control early in the second half with two quick goals. In the 46th minute, Martinez converted a penalty following a collision in the box. Five minutes later, a defensive error led to Julian Fernandez finding Wolf, who calmly finished from close range to extend NYCFC’s lead to 3-1.

Atlanta refused to back down and clawed back a goal in the 62nd minute. A swift passing sequence broke through NYCFC’s press, with Almirón drawing defenders before slipping a pass to Lobjanidze on the right wing. The Georgian winger drove into the box and delivered a low cross intended for Latte Lath, but Keaton Parks, attempting to intercept, inadvertently redirected the ball into his own net.

Substitute Jay Fortune nearly equalized in the 70th minute with a long-range curler, only for NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese to make a diving stop. Moments later, Fortune found Lobjanidze, who dazzled with a quick move to shake off a defender before setting up Almirón at the top of the box. However, the Paraguayan’s shot lacked the power to beat Freese.

Almirón and Latte Lath Seal the Comeback

Atlanta’s persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Almirón scored his first goal since rejoining the club. Matt Edwards played a pass down the left wing to Xande Silva, who—despite being forced wide—sent a looping cross into the box. Almirón rose to meet it with a precise header, securing his 23rd career goal in MLS play with Atlanta.

The home crowd erupted nine minutes later when Latte Lath delivered the game-winner. Guzan launched a long ball that took an awkward bounce over NYCFC defender Thiago Martins. As Martins attempted to shield the ball for Freese, Lath hustled around him, catching the goalkeeper off his line and expertly chipping the ball into the net. The goal marked Lath’s fifth of the season and completed Atlanta’s stunning turnaround.

Next Up

With the victory, Atlanta United improves to 2-2-2 (8 points) on the season. The Five Stripes will look to build on their momentum when they host FC Dallas on Saturday, April 5 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.