The return of Miguel Almirón has brought the city of Atlanta so much joy, and on Saturday night the midfielder gave the home supporters another reason to celebrate.
Almirón's second goal of the season made club history in Atlanta United's match against FC Dallas on April 5. The goal was Miggy's 23rd total in MLS regular season play, which is the second-most for the club, tied with Thiago Almada. Only Josef MartÃnez has scored more goals than Almirón and Almada for Atlanta United in the MLS regular season with 98 goals.
Miggy's moment arrived in the 17th minute. Atlanta United center forward Emmanuel Latte Lath created the opportunity when he corralled a bouncing ball inside the box. He was quickly double-teamed and pulled down by Dallas center back Osaze Urhoghide. The official called a foul and awarded Atlanta United a penalty kick.
The PK was the first given to Atlanta United this season, so we didn't know for sure who might take it for the 5-Stipes: Saba Lobjanidze, Xande Silva, the leading goal scorer on the season and the player who drew the penalty, Latte Lath.
Miggy took the kick.
The Paraguayan stepped up to the spot and confidently struck the ball low into the corner with his left foot, outpacing the dive of Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes and rolling into the back of the net.
To celebrate, Almirón ran to the corner flag, looking up at the stands below the night sky peering in through the open roof of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. He smiled to the spirited home supporters cheering him on, and his teammates soon gathered around to congratulate him.
The early goal seemed to suggest we might be headed toward another high-scoring affair like we did last weekend when Atlanta United rallied two goals down to win 4-3 over New York City FC. Almirón scored his first goal of the season that night, en route to the comeback. His header in the 75th minute tied the match, securing points for Atlanta United and setting up the eventual game-winner from Latte Lath.
But Almirón's PK against FC Dallas Saturday was the only finish for the 5-Stripes, and they wrapped the night with a 1-1 draw with Dallas on HBCU Night.
There's more to come for Atlanta and Miggy this season. He'll have a chance to break the tie and secure the No. 2 spot for himself at home next weekend when Atlanta United completes their current three-match homestand against New England Revolution on April 12.
