Jamal Thiaré' steals ball from goalkeeper, hits game-winner for Atlanta United
Atlanta United forward Jamal Thiaré, right, approaches Toronto FC goalkeeper Luka Gavran, right, during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, June 29, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
ATLANTA (AP) — Jamal Thiaré stole the ball from the goalkeeper and scored an improbable goal in the final minute of play to lift Atlanta United to a 2-1 victory over Toronto FC on Saturday night.
In the 97th minute, Atlanta's Ronald Hernández had his shot blocked by Toronto FC's Shane O’Neill. Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran covered the ball and as he was preparing to put the ball in play, Thiaré′ came up from behind, took the ball and blasted a right-footed shot into the empty net for the winning goal.
Atlanta United forward Jamal Thiaré, right, moves the ball in front of Toronto FC goalkeeper Luka Gavran (90) during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, June 29, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Atlanta's other goal came in first-half stoppage time when Thiago Almada passed to Daniel Ríos, took a return pass from Ríos, then beat Gavran with a strong right-footed delivery from the left side.
Toronto got the equalizer in the first minute of the second half when Federico Bernardeschi scored with a left-footed shot from the center of the box. He slipped his shot past three defenders and beat Atlanta goalie Brad Guzan to the left post.
Atlanta United forward Jamal Thiaré, left, midfielder Tristan Muyumba, center, and forward Tyler Wolff, right, celebrate after the winning goal during the second half of an MLS soccer match against Toronto FC, Saturday, June 29, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Guzan finished with three saves for Atlanta (6-8-6) and Gavran had four for Toronto (7-11-3), which has lost four straight.
Toronto returns home to host Orlando City on Wednesday. Atlanta United travels to play the New England Revolution on Wednesday.
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The Associated Press
Atlanta United forward Jamal Thiaré, second from left, and forward Tyler Wolff, third from left, celebrate after the winning goal as Toronto FC midfielder Kosi Thompson, left, and goalkeeper Luka Gavran, right, react during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, June 29, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Toronto FC goalkeeper Luka Gavran sits on the field during the second half of an MLS soccer match against Atlanta United, Saturday, June 29, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Toronto FC forward Federico Bernardeschi, left, walks off the field with goalkeeper Luka Gavran (90) after an MLS soccer match against Atlanta United, Saturday, June 29, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Atlanta United forward Jamal Thiaré, right, speaks with Toronto FC goalkeeper Luka Gavran, left, during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, June 29, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)