What a night at the Benz, ASN family! If you were holding your breath for a breakout performance this season, Saturday’s 3-1 clinical dismissal of the Philadelphia Union was the exhale we all needed.
The league took notice, too. Miguel Almirón and newcomer Tomás Jacob have officially been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 4. The South American duo combined for a staggering four goal contributions, while Emmanuel Latte Lath secured a spot on the bench after opening his 2026 scoring account.
The King of the Assist: Miggy Breaks the Record
It was a historic night for the “Smiling Assassin.” Miguel Almirón didn’t just lead the attack; he rewrote the record books by becoming Atlanta United’s all-time assists leader.
Capping the night with a hat-trick of assists, Miggy looked every bit the playmaker we fell in love with during the 2018 championship run. Despite the personal milestone, he remained predictably humble:
“I’m always going to highlight the work of my teammates… I think we’re all getting used to the system that Tata [Martino] wants to play, and this is the path forward.”
His chemistry with the frontline has found a new gear since the team returned home on March 7, proving that when Miggy is free to roam, the 5-Stripes are lethal.
Tomás Jacob: The Engine on the Flank
You’d never guess Saturday was only Tomás Jacob’s fourth match in Red and Gold. The versatile fullback was everywhere, showcasing a work rate that had the supporters’ section on their feet.
His highlight moment? A lung-bursting sprint the length of the pitch to finish at the back post—a goal born of pure effort and elite positioning. Jacob is quickly proving to be one of the most astute signings of the winter window, providing the width and defensive cover Tata’s system demands.
Selfless Striking: The Latte Lath Impact
While Emmanuel Latte Lath got his first goal of the 2026 campaign to open the scoring, it was his “hockey assist” that stood out to the tactical junkies.
On the second goal, Latte Lath showed incredible spatial awareness, intentionally leaving the ball for a charging Jacob instead of taking a contested shot himself. That kind of unselfish, fluid attacking football is exactly what was missing in the early weeks of the season.
The Road Ahead: Hunting for Consistency
Three points against a rival like Philly are massive, but the locker room isn’t satisfied yet. As Almirón noted post-match, the goal now is to turn this flash of brilliance into a season-long standard.
The 5-Stripes have shown they can be the most dangerous team in the East when they’re clicking. Now, the challenge is to do it again next week.
Related ASN Coverage
- Stat Sheet: Breaking Down Miguel Almirón’s Journey to the Assist Record
- Tactical Deep Dive: How Tata Martino’s 2026 System is Unleashing the Fullbacks
- Player Ratings: Who Shone Brightest in the 3-1 Win Over Union?
ASN Call to Action: We want to hear from you! Where does Miggy’s performance on Saturday rank among his all-time greats for the club? And how impressed are you with Tomás Jacob’s start to life in Atlanta? Drop your ratings in the comments! #ATLUTD #UniteAndConquer #MLS #Miggy #5Stripes #AtlantaSoccerNews
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.