Giorgos Giakoumakis continues to make history for Atlanta United in his first season with the club. In Atlanta's 4-2 win over Columbus Crew on Tuesday night, the Greek striker became the first player in club history to contribute to three goals in a single MLS Cup Playoffs match.
Giakoumakis opened the scoring for Atlanta in the 38th minute. The 5-Stripes connected a few passes in the right corner before the ball found Brooks Lennon making a run down the line. He took a touch to collect the ball before sending in a perfect cross into the box where Giakoumakis powerfully placed a header into the goal.
Right before the half, Atlanta regained the lead with another great team goal. Saba Lobjanidze chased down the ball before laying it off to Giakoumakis at the top of the box. The striker turned and played it to Xande Silva, who smashed into the top netting.
Giakoumakis' second assist of the night came in the 83rd minute. Second-half substitute Edwin Mosquera made a long run down the field, drawing defenders toward him and away from Giakoumakis, again at the top of the box. Giakoumakis played it back to Mosquera first touch, and the Colombian winger blasted his shot past the goalkeeper.
Prior to Tuesday night, only two other Atlanta United players had recorded one goal and one assist in a single MLS Cup Playoff match: Franco Escobar (11/25/18 vs. NYRB) and Julian Gressel (10/24/19 vs. PHI).
