World Cup winner Thiago Almada scored a stunning late goal to help Atlanta United to a win and a positive start to the 2023 season.

In the 12th minute, the guests took the lead after two of their seasoned playmakers combined for a goal. Gutman pushed Christian Espinoza, a midfielder, outside, where he had plenty of room to work a one-on-one matchup and send a cross into the box from the right side. Jeremy Ebobisse, who led the league in goals for San Jose last year, finished off the scoring with a shot to give the Quakes the early 1-0 advantage to start the 2023 season.

Soon after, Thiago Almada took the stage. At the top of the box, Atlanta United's Almada was all alone when Brooks Lennon delivered the ball short and low to him on a corner kick. The star player for Atlanta United, Starboy, made a miracle happen when he gathered the ball with one touch and then blasted a slammer that hit the goal and rebounded in. In the 93rd minute, the strike made the score 1-1.

The Argentina player repeated the action. Etienne Jr. got a penalty in the waning seconds, and Atlanta United were given a straight free kick outside the box. Almada took a shot and it went in, giving Atlanta United a 2-1 win in the nick of time. The 21-year-old playmaker scored two consecutive game-winning goals, which set a new league record.

[Photography by ICONIC photographer Rachel Pearce]