It almost felt like a matter of time before Atlanta United found the back of the net in the opening minutes against FC Cincinnati. The home team controlled possession to open the match, and for awhile passed around the Supporters' Shield leaders, and Atlanta United final broke through in the 10th minute with a goal scored by winger Edwin Mosquera. The goal is the first in Mosquera's MLS career.
The play initiated on the right flank. Brooks Lennon crossed a ball to the far edge of the box which was received deftly handled by winger Xande Silva. Silva's turn was on point and he crossed the ball back into the center of the box. The cross caught a deflection from a Cincinnati defender, which lofted the ball into the air right toward the penalty spot. There, Mosquera teed up the floating ball to volley it home with such force Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano had no chance to stop it. The 22-year-old celebrated his first professional goal with a dance at the corner flag.
The goal is Mosquera's first with Atlanta United. The Colombian winger joined the club on July 12, 2022 as an Under-22 Initiative signing and played in 12 matches last season. He spent the first half of 2023 on loan with Argentina's Defensa y Justicia then was recalled by Atlanta United in July. Mosquera has gone on to make seven appearances with the 5-Stripes since then and three straight starts, including Wednesday night.
Mosquera's goal also extends Atlanta United's run of scoring. In three MLS matches, the team has scored seven goals, going back to the 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders on August 20.
