Dale Zanine / USA TODAY Sports
It took Atlanta United some time to get into the match after falling behind the San Jose Earthquakes solely 12 minutes into the match, however two stoppage time free kicks from Thiago Almada have been sufficient to see the 5 stripes to a 2-1 victory. Without their new Designated Player striker Giorgos Giakoumakis, it was a recreation that was going to be robust sledding for Gonzalo Pineda and the crew, and that it was.
After Jeremy Ebobisse opened the scoring, Atlanta had an opportunity to degree the scoring from the penalty spot however Luiz Araujo missed every part together with the goal to maintain San Jose within the lead. Atlanta absorbed strain as San Jose dominated because of Miles Robinson’s return from an Achilles damage suffered in May of 2022 nevertheless it was all the way down to the reigning younger participant of the 12 months, Almada as to why Atlanta gained the match.
His first purpose was a strike from exterior the field that Daniel had no probability of stopping for San Jose within the 93rd minute. It was a purpose that felt like an vital equalizer, however Almada would not cease there when Atlanta gained a free kick within the 99th minute. Stepping up with confidence, he fired that one house too beginning Atlanta’s season off on the appropriate foot.
Almada’s equalizer:
Almada one-upping himself with the profitable purpose:
Moments like this are the place Almada’s expertise on the World Cup with Argentina reveals. Learning from gamers like Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria whereas turning into the primary participant to win the World Cup whereas enjoying in MLS, this wasn’t a second that was too massive for Almada. He and Atlanta United wanted that victory after a season the place they missed the playoffs and membership legend Josef Martinez moved to Inter Miami.
Rolling over late and letting San Jose have the victory on opening day would’ve been simple to do, however wins like this go a protracted option to constructing a crew’s confidence. With Robinson again and Almada capable of rating from anyplace on the pitch, Giakoumakis can assist elevate this crew again to the higher reaches of the Eastern Conference. The Five Stripes might want to show that they are often constant, but when Almada is bettering on a season the place he scored six objectives and assisted seven extra, Atlanta will likely be exhausting to cease.
Also, if he continues at this fee solely being 21, a transfer much like Miguel Almiron going to Newcastle United may very well be on the horizon too. Almada is turning into a must-watch performer who needs to be loved for so long as he stays within the league. We’ll possible get to see extra of him with Argentina too if he retains this up.
