The votes are in, and Atlanta United 2 forward Patrick Weah has officially claimed the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Goal of the Year, earning the honor for his spectacular scorpion kick goal against Carolina Core on September 13.
Weah’s acrobatic finish, which took social media by storm, captured 58% of the fan vote on MLS NEXT Pro’s official Instagram, beating out St. Louis CITY SC’s Myhki Joyner in the final round.
It’s a moment that perfectly encapsulates the flair, skill, and creativity that Atlanta United’s development pipeline is known for — and it may just be one of the best goals ever scored in MLS NEXT Pro history.
The Goal Heard Around MLS NEXT Pro
In the 15th minute of the September matchup against Carolina Core, Atlanta United 2 earned a free kick from 30 yards out on the right side. Midfielder Ryan Carmichael delivered a curling, in-swinging ball into the penalty area.
As the ball drifted toward the penalty spot, Weah launched himself forward, performing an audacious scorpion kick — flicking the ball backward with his heel mid-dive. The effort sailed perfectly into the bottom right corner of the net, leaving the Carolina Core goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
The stadium erupted, social media lit up, and within hours, clips of the goal spread across MLS channels and global soccer pages, earning Weah comparisons to iconic scorpion kicks seen in world football from legends like René Higuita and Olivier Giroud.
Breakout Season for Weah
Weah’s Goal of the Year moment was just the highlight of a breakout season. After joining Atlanta United 2 on January 24, 2025, the 21-year-old forward quickly made his mark, leading the team with nine goals and two assists across 24 appearances, including 11 starts.
He became a regular fixture in the starting lineup during the second half of the season, combining athleticism and instinct to become one of MLS NEXT Pro’s most exciting young attackers.
That consistency paid off when Weah received a First Team call-up on October 11, making his Atlanta United senior debut in the 84th minute against Inter Miami CF at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“It’s a dream come true,” Weah said after the match. “You work every day for moments like that — to score, to help the team, and to represent this club the right way.”
A Glimpse of Atlanta United’s Future
Patrick Weah’s success story is another example of Atlanta United’s strong developmental identity, with ATL UTD 2 continuing to produce MLS-ready talent. His rise from the reserve side to First Team minutes mirrors the club’s commitment to building from within — a strategy that has fueled the success of several homegrown players in recent years.
For fans, it’s also a reminder that Mercedes-Benz Stadium could soon see more of Weah’s creative finishing and relentless work ethic at the top level.
What This Means for Atlanta United
Weah’s Goal of the Year isn’t just an individual accolade — it’s a statement about the depth of Atlanta’s player development and the strength of its scouting system. The combination of technical precision from Ryan Carmichael’s delivery and Weah’s finishing instincts shows the tactical quality being cultivated in Marietta, at Atlanta United’s training complex.
The club’s focus on integrating young, dynamic players is expected to continue into 2026, with more talent from the ATL UTD 2 roster likely earning First Team opportunities.
Next Steps: Eyes on 2026
As Atlanta United gears up for the 2026 MLS season, Weah’s development will be one to watch closely. His confidence, creativity, and composure in front of goal make him a promising option for First Team minutes — especially as the club balances domestic and Leagues Cup play.
For the young forward, the Goal of the Year is just the beginning.
“It’s an honor,” Weah said. “But now it’s about what comes next — helping Atlanta win games at every level.”
Join the Conversation
Atlanta fans — what did you think of Patrick Weah’s scorpion kick?
Was it the best goal you’ve ever seen in an Atlanta United kit?
Share your reactions with #WeahWonderGoal and tag @AtlantaSoccerNews on social media to join the discussion.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.