Atlanta United defeats Toronto 3-1 to end rival's playoff bid

Atlanta United closed its home season with a 3-1 victory over Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. The win eliminated the visiting Toronto team from the MLS Cup playoff race.

Toronto entered the match needing a result to keep its postseason hopes alive. The Canadian side sat four points behind the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC, which both held 39 points. Toronto held a better record or goal differential against those clubs, but a loss meant it would miss the play-in round.

Captain Miguel Almirón opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. He weaved through the Toronto defense and executed a give-and-go with Alexey Miranchuk before finishing the play. Miranchuk provided the assist on the goal.

Toronto responded in the 32nd minute when Almirón was fouled and the team earned a free kick. Almirón struck the ball, but Toronto’s keeper made the save. The visitors failed to convert the chance to pull level.

Wesley Sacre gave Atlanta United a two-goal lead in the 57th minute. He headed the ball in from a corner kick. Toronto cut the deficit in the 79th minute when Almirón scored again, but the late goal was not enough to change the outcome.

Atlanta United had already been eliminated from the playoffs in its previous match against New York City FC. The team finished the regular season with a 5-10-2 record. Toronto’s loss dropped its total points to 41, sealing its fate in the Eastern Conference standings.

The match marked the end of Atlanta United’s home schedule for the 2026 season. Toronto will face the New York Red Bulls next in a decisive regular-season game.