Yes, it was another draw, 0-0 with visiting Toronto FC, but there was a bright side. One of the youngest players on the club is growing in confidence as a frustrating 2025 season nears a close.
Atlanta United hosted Toronto FC in front of 39,509 fans on Sunday night. The match is the last time the two clubs will meet this season. The teams played to a 1-1 draw on July 12. Jayden Hibbert, the club’s 21-year-old backup goalkeeper, started tonight and held his own.
Hibbert, A member of the Jamaican National Team, had to defend six shots from Toronto during the first half, but kept a clean sheet by halftime. Atlanta United took five shots at Toronto’s goal, with many of those shots being close to going in.
Atlanta midfielder Alexey Miranchuk, arguably the team’s best player over the past six to seven matches, took a shot in the 16th minute of the scoreless match that trickled by Toronto’s goalkeeper but was wide right. Miranchuk has had six goals and four assists this season and has become the team’s go-to player of late. His game-tying goals have helped keep this season from being a total loss, with Atlanta hovering near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
Hibbert immediately racked up another save in the first minute of the second half. The shot attempt by Toronto was straight on, and Hibbert had to save it with his knees. There was a difference on the pitch without Guzan around to wave his hands frantically while directing traffic from the back, but Hibbert could be seen doing his job in a less demonstrative way.
Atlanta manager Ronny Deila made a triple-substitution in the 61st minute, bringing on Steven Alzate, Brooks Lennon, and forward Jamal Thiare. Alzate joined the club on a transfer from English club Hull City earlier this month and had played in two matches before Sunday night.
Scoreless through 80 minutes, Atlanta United defenders did a good job of keeping shots from coming Hibbert’s way. Several Toronto shots were blocked during the latter stages of the second half.
Juan Berrocal and Cayman Togashi subbed into the match in the 85th minute. It was Berrocal’s third match for Atlanta United.
With five minutes of stoppage time on the clock, Atlanta United managed to threaten Toronto, but did not score.
What’s Next: Atlanta United will begin the month of September with a pair of matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against the Columbus Crew on Saturday, Sept. 13, and against MLS newcomers San Diego FC on Saturday, Sept. 20. Despite being in its first year of existence, San Diego is the first team in MLS to clinch a spot in the playoffs.
