¡Qué golazo, Eddie!
A majestic, curling right-footed shot rippled the net at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and 17s absolutely lost it. Edwin Mosquera's go-ahead goal in the 85th minute sealed the deal on Atlanta United's opening day win over CF Montréal.
He got his fair share of love from his teammates, who he had to dodge as they rushed to celebrate with him. Now, he's getting love from the league, as his goal was awarded the first AT&T Goal of the Matchday of the 2025 season.
“I think this type of goal gave me motivation, and I’ve never started the season making a goal," Mosquera said. "[It was my] first time in the tournament, and we’re going to take advantage of this great season."
The strike itself was first class, but the gravity of the moment elevates it even more. Atlanta United had twice scored and twice allowed an equalizer, and Montréal were growing more confident by the minute. Then, boom. Golazo.
Mosquera's goal was a shining example of what it means to be ready to perform at any given moment. Not but a minute and half earlier, he was running onto the pitch as a substitute. His four touches to trap the pass from Miguel Almirón, settle the ball to his right and strike it was his first time touching the ball during the run of play.
It was a such a good run, in fact, that Almirón said after the game he felt his pass shouldn't have counted as an assist because of all the work Mosquera did once he got the ball.
That quality, in such a short amount of time, is a premium for a player coming off the bench. Squad depth will be critical as the season wears on the legs of the Atlanta United players, and we'll surely be seeing more of Mosquera if he keeps this up.
“I think that it went very well for us," Mosquera said. "We picked up what the coach wanted us to do, and we’ve adapted to the system that he wants. I think we’ll be adapting the best way possible for this season.”
