By Tomas Karageorgos
Toronto FC played spoiler yet again on another Eastern Conference team, as they drew Atlanta United 1-1 on Saturday.
Atlanta opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a goal from Luiz Araújo. The Brazilian midfielder pounced on an error from TFC goalkeeper Quentin Westberg who failed to clear the ball from his own six-yard box.
Saturday marked Nick DeLeon’s first start for Toronto since late May against Columbus. The last time he played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was in the 2019 Eastern Conference final where he scored an absolute screamer to win the game.
He had a chance to level the match in the 19th minute with a shot from distance which was saved by Brad Guzan.
Toronto made a triple change at halftime with Jozy Altidore, Alejandro Pozuelo and Omar Gonzalez being substituted. Jordan Perruzza, Mark Delgado and Kemar Lawrence came in to replace them.
Toronto leveled the game in the 88th minute through the homegrown player Perruzza. The goal came from a second phase of a free kick. Atlanta’s clearance from the initial free kick was sent straight to Jayden Nelson who sent a cross to the back post to Dom Dwyer, who then headed the ball across the face of goal to Perruzza who found the back of the net.
TFC have now drawn three games in a row. Their final match of the MLS season is at BMO Field against D.C. United.
Kick-off is set for 3:30 p.m.