Mr. 20,000: Andrew Gutman Makes MLS History With Late Equalizer

For the second match in a row, Andrew Gutman came up with a massive moment. Just a week after scoring the game-winning goal in stoppage time against the Seattle Sounders, Gutman delivered the equalizer against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.  

Not only did Gutman’s goal on Saturday bring Atlanta United even in an important Eastern Conference matchup and secure a hard-fought point on the road, Gutman also reached a league milestone. His goal was the 20,000th regular season goal in MLS history.

The history-maker found out about the milestone right after the match. The team’s kit man, Scottie Tranilla, brought Gutman a ball to sign, even though the goal-scorer didn’t exactly know why. 

“I don’t know why, I don’t get any bonus for it, I don’t get anything for it, but MLS loves it,” Gutman said.

Scoring against FC Cincinnati, Gutman's team from 2019-20, gave the defender goals in back-to-back matches for the first time in his career. The goal against the Sounders was Gutman’s first-ever for Atlanta United. He previously scored two goals in MLS last season while on loan with the New York Red Bulls.  

Gutman has found a resurgence after missing some time with the team this season. In the May 21 match against Nashville SC, Gutman sustained a left quadriceps tendon injury that kept him out for several weeks. He made his first appearance back on July 30 against Chicago Fire. He entered the matches against Chicago and Seattle as a sub before getting the start against FC Cincinnati. 

“Sometimes you take for granted being healthy and being in the team,” he said. “With the injury I had and the severity of it and how long I was out, mentally I was just so down. I wasn’t able to play, we weren’t getting results. Once I started to get back healthy, I found a new love and new passion for the game this year. So now, when I get on the field, I want to help the team as much I can whether it’s playing center back, left back, center mid. Whatever it is, I’ll do whatever.” 

He’s put in two goals in as many matches, which ties his career best. Supporters have responded by giving the 25-year-old fullback the nickname “Goatman” for his late game heroics. However, much like his response after the game-winner against Seattle when he essentially promised it wouldn’t happen again, Gutman is self-deprecating about the prospect of playing up front for the Five Stripes. 

“I think I’ve missed too many chances this year,” he said. “If I could finish off all my goals, I might be leading goal scorer.”

• Watch Gutman in-person on Wednesday, August 13 when Atlanta United hosts New York Red Bulls at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a midweek match. Secure your seat today!