Miguel Almirón makes Atlanta United history in 1-1 draw with FC Dallas

Atlanta United fought gallantly to eke out a 1-1 draw against visiting FC Dallas on Saturday night, with Miguel Almirón delivering the pivotal moment that doubled as a historic one.

The Paraguayan star curled in a stunning first-half go-ahead goal from the penalty spot that not only earned Atlanta a point but also saw him tie Thiago Almada as the second all-time leading scorer in club history, with 23 goals in all competitions.

A clash of styles was evident from the opening whistle at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where over 42,000 fans watched Atlanta's possession-heavy approach meet FC Dallas's disciplined counter-attacking game. The result was a contest full of tension, tactical adjustments, and shared spoils. 

Miggy magic: a historic strike 

Atlanta began brightly, controlling possession and probing the Dallas back line with intent. Tristan Muyumba and Bartosz Slisz held down central midfield duties, orchestrating play and recycling possession, while Miguel Almiron pulled the strings just behind the striker.

In the early stages, Atlanta looked confident, with quick passing sequences and overlapping runs from fullbacks Brooks Lennon and Matt Edwards. Edwards tested Dallas keeper Maarten Paes with a long-range effort in the 4th minute, and Lennon nearly set up a goal with a dangerous low cross that scrambled clear. 

Atlanta United’s control and probing attack paid dividends in the 17th minute. Muyumba cleverly sent Emmanuel Latte Lath, and he muscled his way into the box. Just as he was about to pull the trigger, he was pulled down clumsily by Osaze Urhoghide. Without skipping a beat, referee Ricardo Fierro pointed to the spot. Miguel Almirón picked the ball up, placed it, and took a deep breath. He then accurately and precisely dispatched the penalty with a left-footed shot to the bottom left corner. 

With that strike, Almirón moved level with Almada on 23 goals for Atlanta United, a remarkable achievement considering his return to the club came only earlier this year. Almirón's influence extended beyond the goal; his pressing, positional intelligence and constant movement gave Dallas defenders headaches throughout the first half.

“Miggy’s been huge for us since returning,” said Deila post-match. “Not just the goal, but the leadership and tempo he brings. We needed someone to step up, and he did what great players do. Almirón’s strike energized Atlanta and the Mercedes-Benz crowd, shifting momentum back in the home side’s favour. Dallas briefly rattled and had to reset as Atlanta grew in confidence. The Five Stripes nearly stretched the lead before halftime when Saba Lobjanidze whipped in a dangerous ball, but Xande Silva couldn’t get the final touch. ” 

Second half: inches away, FC Dallas draws level 

The second half saw Atlanta press higher and with more urgency. Muyumba  continued to buzz between the lines while Lennon and Edwards pushed forward from the fullback positions. The hosts forced a series of corners and tested Dallas’s backline, which remained compact and disciplined. Lobjanidze and Almirón continued to interchange fluidly, trying to drag defenders out of position. In the 52nd minute, Slisz intercepted a pass and launched a quick counter ending with Xande's blocked shot. Atlanta’s ball circulation remained sharp, but final-third precision eluded them. Dallas, meanwhile, was content to sit deep and absorb pressure, relying on Luciano Acosta and Petar Musa to spark transitions. 

In the 60th minute, Acosta deftly sent Musa inside the box. He took a touch and then struck the ball with venom, but Stian Gregersen blocked it expertly. The ball fell kindly to Musa’s feet for a second bite of the cherry, which he made no mistake by blasting it viciously in the roof of the net from seven yards.

Saba Lobjanidze came closest to finding a winner. In the 73rd minute, when the Georgian winger cut inside and rifled a shot down the goalkeeper's throat. He parried the ball nervously, and the rebound was cleared before Latte Lath could pounce. 

Deila introduced fresh legs, including Jamal Thiare, Aleksey Miranchuk and Jay Fortune, to sustain pressure, and Atlanta nearly stole all three points in stoppage time.

Thiare found space on the counter and fired a low shot toward the near post after collected a delightful cross from substitute Aleksey Miranchuk, but Paes reacted well to preserve the draw. 

"We executed the plan well,” said FC Dallas head coach Eric Quill. “We could’ve nicked it late, but I’m proud of how we defended and the chances we created.” 

Tactical Breakdown 

• Atlanta United's Shape: Deila deployed a 4-2-3-1 with Muyumba and Almirón rotating between central and wide channels. The fullbacks were heavily involved in the attack, often creating overloads in the final third. Slisz and Silva offered balance but occasionally left space for Dallas to counter. 

• FC Dallas's Strategy: Dallas played a low-to-mid block, inviting Atlanta pressure before springing into transition. Musa and Acosta were key outlets, and the midfield trio worked hard to deny space between the lines. 

• Set Pieces: Atlanta had nine corners but failed to capitalize. Despite their potent aerial threat in the box. Special drills could become a focus in training sessions ahead of the next stretch of matches. 

Player Ratings – Atlanta United 4-2-3-1: 

GK - Brad Guzan – 7.0: Veteran keeper made a vital late save and commanded his box well. 

RB - Brooks Lennon – 7.0: Energetic on the right, delivered several dangerous crosses. 

LB – Matt Edwards – 6.5: Caught out a few times, but improved as match went on. 

CB - Stian Gregersen – 6.5: Solid aerially, physical throughout but should have been a little tighter on Musa to prevent that goal. 

CB - Luis Abram – 6.5: Supported attacks well, strong recovery runs. 

CM - Tristan Muyumba – 6.5: Workhorse in midfield, effective in transitions. 

CM - Bartosz Slisz – 6.0: Clean passing but didn’t impose himself. 

LW - Xande Silva – 7.5: Created chances, consistent threat with better luck or execution might have a goal or two. 

CAM - Miguel Almirón – 8.0: Outstanding goal, tireless work rate, milestone moment. 

RW - Saba Lobjanidze – 6.5: Lively, unlucky not to score. 

ST - Emmanuel Latte Lath – 7.5: Drew the penalty. He has been involved in 7 goals since his debut. 

Ronny Deila, Atlanta United head coach: 

“We controlled the game for long stretches. I’m proud of the fight back, but we must be sharper in the final third. We had the momentum but couldn’t turn it into a second goal.” 

Miguel Almirón, Atlanta United midfielder: 

“It’s an honor to be part of this club’s history again. We always want to win, but this team has heart. We’ll keep pushing.” 

Eric Quill, FC Dallas head coach: 

“Coming to Atlanta and getting a result is never easy. We stuck to the plan and showed quality in key moments.” 

What’s Next? 

Atlanta United (2W-3D-2L) stays unbeaten at home since that 2-1 loss against Inter Miami but will feel two points slipped away. The Five Stripes host New England Revolution next Saturday at 2:45 PM ET at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the Eastern Conference table tightening, every point matters. 

FC Dallas (3W-2D-2L) will look to build on this away performance when they host Seattle Sounders. With Acosta joining the MLS 70’s club in form and the defense holding strong, the Texas side appears poised to climb. As the season builds toward summer, Ronny Deila will know that performances like this need more final-third sharpness to turn into wins. But with Almirón back in form, Atlanta fans have every reason to believe.