Miguel Almiron and Cooper Sanchez scored first-half goals as the host Atlanta United defeated Toronto FC 3-1, delivering a blow to the visitor’s MLS Cup playoff hopes.
Alexey Miranchuk scored Atlanta’s (9-18-6, 33 points) other goal, snapping a three-match skid and earning points for the first time since a 3-0 win over CF Montreal on Oct. 14.
Keeper Lucas Hoyos made two saves as the 5-Stripes swept the season series against the Reds. Atlanta topped Toronto 2-1 north of the border on April 25.
Lewis Morgan responded for Toronto, and Luka Gavran made five saves.
With the loss, Toronto (9-12-12, 39 points) failed to pick up points for just the second time in six matches (3-2-1).
Leading 2-0, Miranchuk gave the 5-Stripes a three-goal cushion in the 51st minute, tucking in the rebound off Almiron’s strike, which hit the post for his seventh goal of the season.
Reds captain Jonathan Osorio had a chance to put the visitors on the board in the 65th minute, but his header off a cross from Theo Corbeanu sailed just wide.
Atlanta nearly added to its lead in the 73rd minute, but Gavran made a save off Jay Fortune’s left-footed strike from the center of the box.
In the 77th minute, Breel Embolo had a pair of glorious opportunities to give Atlanta a 4-0 lead, but Gavran saved his first strike, and Embolo put the rebound off the woodwork.
Morgan put Toronto on the board in the 79th minute as Josh Sargent’s strike deflected to Morgan, who put his shot past Hoyos.
Toronto held a slight edge in possession after the opening 45 minutes, but Atlanta led 2-0 at halftime.
Atlanta opened the scoring in the 22nd minute as Almiron tipped a through ball from Miranchuk through the legs of Gavran for his seventh goal of the season.
Then in the 40th minute, Sanchez doubled the 5-Stripes’ lead, one-timing a cross from Almiron past a diving Gavran.
Giuliano Galoppo nearly made it 3-0 in the 43rd minute, but his bicycle kick sailed over the bar.
–Field Level Media
