The game in 100 words (or less): If you’ve been watching the opening two months or so of MLS you’d know Atlanta United is very much for real. Now, watch tonight’s game and get a glimpse of another potential star-in-the-making, AKA Miguel Almiron. The young Designated Player recorded his first MLS hat-trick on Saturday night en route to guiding his side to a 4-0 win over the Houston Dynamo. Midfielder Julian Gressel also added his second goal of 2017 to further the Atlanta domination on the night. The Dynamo managed to pull one back late through an Erick Torres penalty kick, his ninth goal of the season, but it was otherwise a night to forget for the visitors.
[ MORE: Saturday’s MLS (early afternoon) wrap up ]
Three four moments that mattered
20' — Sneaky free kick almost gives hosts lead — Clever stuff here from Miguel Almiron but it was read well by the Dynamo defender.
Sneaky Miggy...nearly#ATLUTD 0 - 0 @HoustonDynamo pic.twitter.com/6Rv787FiLJ
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) May 21, 2017
30' — Almiron fires Atlanta in front — Make that three on the season for the young DP.
Smashing it home, Miguel Almirón ⚽#ATLUTD 1 - 0 @HoustonDynamo pic.twitter.com/9mHhZlEwlC
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) May 21, 2017
42' — Make it a brace for Almiron — This was probably the best of his three goals, which says a lot because the first one was very nice too.
You're a bad man, Miguel Almirón.@ATLUTD's #10 does it again for the home team. #ATLvHOU https://t.co/rv9KC5IPWH
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 21, 2017
80' — Give that man a hat-trick — If Saturday is any indication of Miguel Almiron’s future, then WATCH OUT MLS!
Make it 3 for Miguel Almirón.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 21, 2017
The Paraguayan caps off the hat trick from the spot. #ATLvHOU https://t.co/hmSfJBCS5H
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Man of the match: Miguel Almiron
Goalscorers: Miguel Almiron (30', 42', 80' -- PK), Julian Gressel (76'), Erick Torres (90' -- PK)
The game in 100 words (or less): The possession stats and overall chances all pointed to FC Dallas but the outcome wasn’t what they expected on Saturday night. Oscar Pareja’s side fell to the San Jose Earthquakes, 1-0 at Toyota Stadium for the club’s first loss of 2017. Jahmir Hyka was the unlikely goalscorer for the Quakes, who gave the visitors the lead with nine minutes remaining in the match after a stunning individual display of skill inside the Dallas penalty area. Meanwhile, Dallas recorded just two shots on target on the evening, which is quite surprising given the club’s potency in attack.
Three two one moment that mattered
81' — Hyka works some magic in the Dallas area — Everything up to and including the finish was perfect, and Dallas’ perfect start is officially over.
Unreal touch. Clinical finish.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 21, 2017
Jahmir Hyka puts @SJEarthquakes in front! #DALvSJ https://t.co/aLptqzsqla
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Man of the match: Jahmir Hyka
Goalscorers: Jahmir Hyka (81')