Toronto FC and Atlanta United shared the spoils in a dramatic 1-1 draw at BMO Field, with stoppage-time controversy marring what had been a resolute performance by the hosts.
The breakthrough came early in the second half, when Toronto midfielder Deybi Flores rose above the Atlanta defense to nod in a powerful header from a Matty Longstaff corner on 48 minutes. It was Flores’ second goal of the campaign and capped off a dominant spell of possession for Toronto, who looked energized and aggressive coming out of the break.
Atlanta struggled to find rhythm but remained dangerous on the counter. Ivory Coast forward Emmanuel Latte Lath, who joined Atlanta in early February for a reported MLS-record $22million transfer fee, had not scored in his previous 13 appearances after recording five goals in his first six outings, had a goal disallowed for offside and came close again with a curling shot that just missed the far post.
Deep into stoppage time, substitute Charlie Sharp fouled Luke Brennan inside the box. After a lengthy VAR review, Freemon pointed to the spot. Latte Lath converted, despite goalkeeper Sean Johnson getting fingertips to the shot.
Toronto coach Robin Fraser agreed with the penalty call. “We’ve been talking about moments since February,” he said. “And this was one of those moments that cost us dearly.”
“I don’t think everyone was as sharp as they needed to be. Some guys were pretty on it and some guys were a little bit off. But in spite of all that we did enough, we think, to win the game,” said Fraser. “A kick in the gut.”
Toronto FC begin a tough four-match road stretch starting with San Diego midweek, while Atlanta United return home to face Chicago Fire.