Late Penalty Earns Draw for Atlanta Against Toronto in Eastern Conference Clash

Ivory Coast forward Emmanuel Latte Lath scored a penalty in the 101st minute, securing a 1-1 draw for Atlanta United against Toronto FC. The match was a contest between two teams struggling in the MLS Eastern Conference standings.

The penalty was awarded after a stoppage-time incident involving Luke Brennan and Toronto substitute Charlie Sharp. The referee, after reviewing the play, pointed to the spot. Despite goalkeeper Sean Johnson getting a hand on the ball, Latte Lath's shot found the net.

Latte Lath, who joined Atlanta earlier in the season for a significant transfer fee, had not scored in his previous 13 appearances after an initial burst of goals. A goal he scored earlier in the game was disallowed for offside.

Toronto had taken the lead in the 48th minute with a header from Deybi Flores off a corner kick. Flores, returning from international duty, had to leave the game shortly after scoring due to injury.

Toronto also lost forward Ola Brynhildsen during the first half, who was replaced by Deandre Kerr. Atlanta and Toronto were near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

The match was Toronto's second since buying out designated players Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi. Atlanta had a poor recent record, while Toronto had won only one of its last six games.

Before the game, Tsubasa Endoh, a former Toronto FC player, was honored. Endoh, who was diagnosed with leukemia, signed a one-day contract to retire as a Toronto player.

Atlanta was coming off a scoreless draw in their previous match. They have yet to win away from home this season. Toronto has also struggled both at home and away.

Toronto's coach made several changes to the starting lineup. Toronto was missing several key players due to injury. Captain Jonathan Osorio was close to returning from injury.

Toronto's bench had a limited number of career MLS goals. Atlanta was also missing several players due to injury. Atlanta's designated players led the attack.

The early part of the game saw Atlanta dominating. Toronto began to create chances, with Theo Corbeanu posing a threat. Sean Johnson made a crucial save early on. Latte Lath had a shot go just wide.

Toronto outshot Atlanta in the first half. Before the match, the overall series between the two teams was even, but Toronto had a strong home record against Atlanta. Toronto's next four games will be on the road.