MARIETTA, Ga. — As Atlanta United continues its search for goals, Mateusz Klich kept it plain and simple on Tuesday:
“We need to convert those chances.”
The 5-Stripes have now gone more than 240 MLS minutes without a goal, and even longer since one came from open play — Miguel Almirón’s penalty on April 5 their only recent tally. A 3-0 loss to Philadelphia last weekend only amplified the pressure, marking the fourth time Atlanta’s been shutout in 2025.
Now, with leading scorer Emmanuel Latte Lath suspended due to yellow card accumulation, the next man up is Jamal Thiaré — a name Atlanta fans know well, especially in Florida.
🌞 Sunshine State Striker Returns
Thiaré has made a habit of finding the net in Florida, with four of his eight goals last season coming in the state, including one against this Saturday’s opponent, Orlando City SC. And let’s not forget his historic brace in Fort Lauderdale — the night he helped eliminate Inter Miami in the 2024 playoffs and punched Atlanta’s ticket to the knockout stage.
That’s the kind of energy Atlanta United is hoping to revive.
“I believe in myself, and I stay positive for this game because it’s most important,” Thiaré said Tuesday.
He’s been limited this season due to minor injuries and Latte Lath’s arrival, but Thiaré still has chemistry with key players like Alexey Miranchuk and Brooks Lennon, the latter of whom dropped a dime in training this week that Thiaré brought down and smashed home on the volley.
🔁 Style Swap at Striker
Thiaré and Latte Lath might both bring pace and aerial threat, but their playstyles contrast.
- Latte Lath: Press-heavy, physical, fights center backs all game
- Thiaré: Lean, elusive, and crafty — a true “lurker” who times his runs to perfection
It’s this sneaky movement that could be the key to unlocking Orlando’s defense — especially with Thiaré’s track record of striking in big moments.
📊 Numbers Don’t Lie
Last year, Thiaré quietly posted one of the most efficient seasons in the league:
- 8 goals across all comps
- 0.47 xG per 90 — Top 10 in MLS at one point
- Goals from volleys, headers, takeaways, link-ups — he’s got variety in his bag
With Cayman Togashi behind him in the striker rotation, Saturday’s road test will be a defining moment for Thiaré and Atlanta’s attack.
💬 Klich: “It’s Just Not Good Enough”
The mission isn’t just about Thiaré, of course. Midfielder Mateusz Klich pointed to the whole team needing to step up — not just the front four.
“We have to score more goals from set pieces because we have good players, good deliveries,” he said. “In general, we have to be better.”
🚨 Kickoff Info
🆚 Orlando City SC
📅 Saturday, April 26
🕢 7:30 p.m. ET
📺 Apple TV | MLS Season Pass
Atlanta United’s next chapter in this early-season struggle for form could very well be written by the guy who’s delivered in Florida before.
And this time, Thiaré might just be ready to write another unforgettable one.
