Atlanta United Forward Jamal Thiaré scored the game winning goal in the 97th minute, giving the Five Stripes a much-needed 2-1 victory over Toronto FC. Thiaré’s goal sent the crowd of 42,568 into delirium while securing the three points. With the victory, Atlanta United is now two points out of seventh place. “I wasn’t surprised, because I just had a feeling that the goalkeeper was going to put the ball down on the turf, and then I focused on making sure to do my job,” Thiaré said after the game. The victory was the first for interim manager Rob Valentino. In his post-match remarks, Valentino admitted he’s never seen a contest end this way. “That’s what we were joking about, exactly how we wanted it,” Valentino said. “I would say I’m on the younger side of coaching and the younger side of being in the game, but I have never seen anything like that. I made the joke to Dax [McCarty], after I ridiculously went sprinting down the sideline, that he has played 20 years now and I bet he has never seen a finish like that. It was incredible, bizarre, but I’m glad we’re on this side of it.” Designated Players showed up tonight Meanwhile, Thiago Almada scored his sixth goal of the season two minutes into first-half stoppage time. While rumors abound regarding Almada’s future in Atlanta, his performance throughout the match were of very high standard. He was proactive in the final third and was looking to create opportunities for himself and the fellow attackers. Federico Bernardeschi quickly equalized for Toronto after the halftime break. He was assisted on the goal by fellow Italian, Lorenzo Insigne. The second half evolved into a cagey battle as both teams counterattacked and nearly scored potential game-winning goals. In the end, it was Thiaré’s brilliance that broke the deadlock.  “I mean it will only help us in the best of ways,” says Atlanta United defender Caleb Wiley. “I think we really needed that win. We go back on the road next week. So I think the boys are in pretty high spirits after this win and we’ll go to New England and try to do the same thing.” Atlanta United’s next home match will be against New York City FC on July 17th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM.  The post Jamal Thiaré and Atlanta United steal victory from Toronto in thrilling fashion appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.