Atlanta United held a lead all the way up until the 96th minute of Saturday night's match. Two show-stoppers from Philadelphia swung the match in their favor, and the hosts walked away with three points in a 3-2 win over the 10-man 5-Stripes.
What happened
Philadelphia Union earned a early freekick that was whipped into box. Lucas Hoyos made a punch and was quickly fouled by a Union attacker to dispel any threat.
The 5-Stripes earned a corner from a keen switch of play from Miguel Almirón in the 8th minute. Fafa Picault got a good deal of power on the header, but his attempt veered wide of the right post.
The Union were next to threaten the goal, as Milan Iloski bounced a strike wide of the left post from a tight angle in the 21st minute.
Enea Mihaj was sent off in the 27th minute after a swift decision from head official Allen Chapman. His attempted tackle came late and behind the Philadelphia attacker.
But from the low point came an unexpected high, as Almirón got on the end of a bouncing through ball. He kept the ball close to his feet despite pressure from defenders and mustered just enough force to roll it past Andre Blake in goal in the 30th minute. It was the Paraguayan's third consecutive match with a goal, and the 5-Stripes were ahead.
Philadelphia pushed, earning a few corners in the latter stages of the first half. Neil Pierre hit the crossbar from one of the crosses, using his 6-foot-5 frame to rise up and head the ball. Hoyos had to dive low to deny Cavan Sullivan an equalizer in the 47th minute — and from a corner soon after, the Union hit the woodwork once again.
Philly outshot the 5-Stripes 9-0 after the goal, but despite the momentum, it was Atlanta United who preserved their advantage at the break. It was their first road league match leading at the break since Aug. 30, 2025 against Nashville.
The natural plan for Atlanta United, a man down and a goal up, was to sink back into a compact low block. Philadelphia practically forced them to do so, putting on relentless pressure.
Danley Jean Jacques nearly leveled things with a header just feet from the goal line, but he got too far under the ball in the 59th minute. The attempt soared over the bar.
After being held down for the first 15 minutes of the half, the 5-Stripes strung together some possession. Tristan Muyumba stepped up and took advantage, finding space at the top of the box and letting a longshot fly. His curling effort was pure, soaring into the right side of the net for a 2-0 lead in the 66th minute.
Philadelphia fired right back in the 73rd minute, and it was the in-form Iloski to do so. He chipped a shot over Hoyos in the net after a deflected cross fell back to him.
Head coach Tata Martino made his first subs of the evening in the 78th minute, bringing on Stian Gregersen and Luke Brennan for some fresh legs.
Lucas Hoyos denied a stinger of a volley from Cavan Sullivan in the 80th minute with another reaction save. It was part of a final 20 minutes that were all for the Union. The 5-Stripes stood their ground until the 96th, when a cross from the left side found the head of Pierre. His header was well struck into the left side of the goal for 2-2.
The Union had one more in them though, and it was a truly unbelievable finish. Another cross found Ezekiel Alladoh, who swung his left foot first-time to launch a shot just inside the box. It was inch-perfect, finding the left corner and sinking the 5-Stripes in deeply disappointing fashion.
Milestones
- Miguel Almirón scored in his third consecutive match, a first in his MLS career.
- Atlanta United 2 forward Arif Kovac made his MLS debut as a substitute in the 84th minute.
Next up
The 5-Stripes will go a weekend without a match for the FIFA international break window before returning to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the first time since the World Cup. Atlanta United will face Red Bull New York at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Aug. 15. Come welcome the 5-Stripes home and get your tickets here.
