It's a big birthday for Jamal Thiaré as the Atlanta United striker scored one minute after entering as a substitute in the club's home match against Chicago Fire, then scored again in second-half stoppage time to gift himself with a birthday brace.
The first goal arrived in the 65th minute just after Thiaré replaced the other goal scorer on the day for Atlanta United, Giorgos Giakoumakis. After Saba Lobjanidze linked up with Brooks Lennon, Lennon sent a first-touch cross toward the far post from the right flank. Thiaré was in prime position to finish off the cross with a powerful header, his first touch of the match, for his first career MLS goal.
Thiaré made it a brace in second-half stoppage time. After a strong strike from Thiago Almada clanged off the post, Thiaré pounced on the rebound. He cleaned up the loose ball and finished it off to give his team a 3-0 scoreline -- and himself a birthday to remember.
The striker very nearly made it a brace earlier in the 89th minute after Almada slipped a beautiful pass to him inside the box. Thiaré put the ball in the back of the net, but the goal was called back due to offside.
The Senegal native arrived to Atlanta last August. He made a combined seven appearances during the MLS regular season last season and the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Thiaré scored twice in preseason, including the equalizer in the friendly played against Memphis 901 FC at the University of Georgia. The striker's first regular season goal was reminiscent of an excellent team goal Atlanta he scored in the preseason friendly against Tampa Bay Rowdies. That finish Thiaré also converted with a header.
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