Now THAT'S how to start a match.
Supporters running late to get to their seats Wednesday evening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium may have missed the first action of the match between Atlanta United and New York City FC because, after just 21 seconds of play, the home team had already opened the scoring.
A long ball on the kickoff began the opening possession. Atlanta United worked the ball on the right flank, then Tristan Muyumba heeled it to Saba Lobjanidze on a diagonal run inside the box. The winger made a short pass to striker Daniel Ríos who was in position just a few feet above the penalty spot. Ríos struck the ball one-touch and firm enough to knock it past New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese.
The goal, assisted by Lobjanidze, arrived at the official time of 0:21 to become the fastest goal scored in club history. That mark beat the previous record by a solid 26 seconds, which was previously set by Josef Martínez against Orlando City in 2021.
It was the sixth goal of the season for Ríos, who is on loan from Liga MX side Chivas. The striker has now contributed to seven goals in the last eight MLS matches for the 5-Stripes.
