First time goals, bicycle kicks and more. 2022 brought an array of incredible goals that took our breath away. Let's look back on the top five goals of the year.
1. Josef Martínez goal against New England on Oct. 1
There couldn’t be a list of top goals without mentioning the AT&T 5G MLS Goal of the Year. Josef Martínez has scored some incredible goals throughout his time with Atlanta United but his bicycle kick during the Oct. 1 match against New England Revolution reigns supreme. Atlanta was down 1-0 and after receiving a perfect cross from Brooks Lennon, Martínez was able to tie up the game in the 81st minute, with a goal that even left the rival speechless.
2. Andrew Gutman goal against Seattle Sounders Aug. 6
Winning a match at home is always an incredible feeling but scoring the last minute winner against one of the biggest teams in the league is stand out. Atlanta was tied 1-1 against the Seattle Sounders with five minutes of stoppage time added, the pressure was on. With only one minute left Marcelino Moreno crossed the ball to Andrew Gutman who found himself outside the box, with a left footed strike the left-back scored the winning goal, giving the team the win against Head Coach Gonzalo Pineda’s former team. The feeling was electric inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium as the team and 17s celebrated the win.
3. Thiago Almada Goal against FC Cincinnati Aug. 13
If there’s one thing you can count on, count on Thiago Almada scoring an incredible goal. In the 17th minute of the Aug. 13 match against FC Cincinnati, Almada received a pass from Luiz Araújo, the Argentine striker shot straight towards the top right corner of the goal curling the ball in perfectly. Almada’s performance this year earned him the 2022 MLS Newcomer of the Year Award.
4. Santiago Sosa goal against Columbus Crew Aug. 21
What a way to score your first goal in the league. Off a Caleb Wiley header, Santiago Sosa recovered the ball and put himself in the perfect position to aim straight at the goal. With incredible force the Argentine midfield shot a banger straight to the back of the net, giving the 5-Stripes the lead against Columbus Crew in the Aug. 21 match.
5. Brooks Lennon Free-kick vs CF Montréal on Mar. 19
Atlanta was down 3-2 against CF Montréal in a tough match-up at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With five minutes of stoppage time added, the 5-Stripes were looking to split points. After a foul in stoppage time, Atlanta was awarded a direct free kick. Brooks Lennon stepped up and took the shot, scoring the game equalizer.
