Pozuelo stoppage-time PK lifts Toronto over Atlanta

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:22 am

Alejandro Pozuelo scored a penalty kick four minutes into stoppage time to give Toronto FC a 3-2 win over visiting Atlanta United on Wednesday.

After Toronto defender Richie Laryea was brought down in Atlanta's box, Pozuelo converted the penalty for the Spanish forward's second goal of the match.

Atlanta striker "Pity" Martinez had an opportunity to score on a late penalty kick of his own after Toronto's Nick DeLeon was called for a handball in the box in the 94th minute. Martinez sent his attempt high, however, thwarting Atlanta's chance to steal a point and Martinez's chance at a second score of the match from the spot.

The victory snapped an eight-game (0-5-3) winless streak for Toronto FC, who were missing eight players from their roster due to injuries and international duty.

Wednesday's match had both a wild finish and a wild start, as Tsubasa Endoh scored 29 seconds into the game for the quickest goal in Toronto FC's franchise history. It was Endoh's first MLS goal since July 31, 2016.

Atlanta rebounded to tie the score after a Pozuelo handball in the box resulted in a penalty kick goal for Martinez in the 17th minute. Just five minutes later, Julian Gressel converted a short-range shot to put Atlanta (8-6-2, 26 points) ahead.

Gressel was back in Atlanta United's lineup despite missing a few days of training last week. The midfielder suffered a minor knee injury in Atlanta's U.S. Open Cup match against Columbus on June 18.

In the 27th minute, a pair of strong passes from Liam Fraser and rookie Jacob Shaffelburg found Pozuelo in front for the equalizer.

The clubs were each missing two Designated Players -- Josef Martinez and Ezequiel Barco for Atlanta, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley for Toronto -- and a variety of other regulars.

This opened the door for a number of second-choice players to make an impact, particularly for Toronto FC (6-7-4, 22 points). Endoh made his first MLS start in almost two years, while the 19-year-old Shaffelburg generated multiple chances down the left side in his first career MLS start.

Atlanta entered the game on a four-match winning streak in all competitions.