ATLANTA — Emmanuel Latte Lath scored two goals in his Major League Soccer debut and Edwin Mosquera netted the go-ahead goal in the 85th minute to help Atlanta United beat CF Montreal 3-2 in the season opener for both teams.
Mosquera, who replaced Saba Lobjanidze in the 83rd minute, scored just minutes later, giving Atlanta the lead for good. At the left corner of the penalty box, he skillfully maneuvered between two defenders, unleashing a rising shot past goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois.
Latte Lath’s standout performance marked the perfect start to the season for the Atlanta United fans, who packed the stadium, eager to see how their team would fare. The forward's first goal came early on, setting the tone for his evening.
Brad Guzan, Atlanta’s goalkeeper, was pivotal as well, making four stops and showcasing his skills to keep the team secure at the back. The defense, under his guidance, held strong against CF Montreal's offensive efforts, but not without a challenge.
Montreal did not go quietly, with Nathan Saliba and Prince Owusu each finding the back of the net, showcasing determination and spirit. Saliba's effort was initially seen as equalizing for Montreal, but Latte Lath's second goal restored Atlanta’s momentum.
With the clock ticking down, tensions ran high as both teams battled for openings. It was Mosquera's late arrival onto the field and immediate impact, scoring just two minutes after being substituted, which epitomized the unexpected thrill of soccer — sometimes, it only takes seconds to change the game.
The celebration erupted from the Atlanta United supporters, reflecting the high hopes for the season as they left the stadium buzzing with excitement over the match and what Lath's debut could mean. His stellar performance has set expectations high among the fans and coaches alike as they all eagerly anticipate what he could contribute moving forward.
Atlanta's victory not only secures them three valuable points for the standings but also marks the beginning of what they hope will be a successful campaign. With the team’s spirit uplifted by Lath's debut, there’s no denying excitement is palpable among the enthusiasts.
This match was not just about winning; it was also about the promising future of newcomers like Lath and Mosquera, who have seemingly gelled quickly within the squad. They have provided fans with early glimpses of potential greatness.
Overall, Atlanta United’s thrilling opener against CF Montreal has set the stage for what could be a memorable season, wrapped with drama, excitement, and undeniable talent on the pitch.