ATLANTA — Atlanta United played to a 1-1 draw vs. Toronto FC Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Luiz Araújo scored his fourth goal of the season.
Atlanta’s attack was relentless throughout the first half, peppering Toronto’s goal with 10 shots and nearly opening the scoring in the second minute. A quick counterattack led to striker Josef Martínez finding space inside the penalty area for a shot, but his attempt was struck right at goalkeeper Quentin Westberg.
Araújo put Atlanta United ahead in the 15th minute after a shocking error from Westberg. The Toronto netminder received a back pass from Justin Morrow and took a touch to settle the ball, but he was immediately met with pressure from Araújo. The Brazilian poked the ball away from Westberg and passed it into an open goal for his fourth goal of the season.
Martínez had another scoring opportunity in the 20th minute when Ezequiel Barco found the Venezuelan in space at the top of the box, but as he wound up for a shot Westberg closed down the angle and made a big save that bounced out for a corner kick.
Atlanta thought it had extended its lead in the 55th minute when Araújo played Barco in behind Toronto’s backline. Barco found Martínez on the left side of the box before the striker returned the ball back to the Argentine on the right where he cleverly floated a chip into the far corner of the goal, but the linesman raised his flag for offside.
Toronto leveled the match in the 88th minute. From the left side of midfield, Jayden Nelson delivered a ball toward the back post where Dom Dwyer headed it across goal for Jordan Perruzza, who was unmarked on the left side and turned it into goal for the equalizer.
Atlanta (12-9-11, 47 points) returns to action Wednesday, Nov. 3 when it travels to face New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena (7:30 p.m., Bally Sports South, Star 94.1, La Mejor).
