Match recap: Stars show out as Atlanta United puts three past Philadelphia Union

Atlanta United's stars were out Saturday, even in the middle of the afternoon. Miguel Almirón assisted thrice en route to history, Emmanuel Latte Lath scored and assisted, and Alexey Miranchuk got in on the action with a goal in a 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union. The 5-Stripes were determined and lethal when it mattered, and Almirón's hattrick of assists put him alone at the top of the club's all time rankings.  

What happened: In a match primed for fireworks, things got physical in the early going. Fouls slowed down the match until Miguel Almirón broke out on the counter in the 5th minute. His cross aimed at Emmanuel Latte Lath was just past the forward's outstretched leg. 

Latte Lath was a consistent target, and Tomás Jacob's cross in the 14th minute found him one-on-one with the keeper. Without much space to operate, the Ivorian got a touch but couldn't put it past Andre Blake in the net.

The ensuing corner resulted in nothing, but a few minutes later, the Video Assistant Referee recommended that the head official take a look at an interaction between a Philadelphia defender and Stian Gregersen in the box. The coming together resulted in Gregersen hitting the turf, but after review, no foul was called. 

Almirón linked up with his other fellow designated player Alexey Miranchuk in the 22nd minute after a breakaway. The Paraguayan cut back in the face of three defenders and found the cross to Miranchuk, but his shot was just wide of the left post.

In the 28th minute, Almirón and Latte Lath's connection clicked completely. The striker slipped in behind in a transition moment, and Almirón pass was weighted perfectly. Latte Lath was straight through on goal and left no doubts, picking the bottom right corner for his first goal of the 2026 season.​

The goal didn't slow down the 5-Stripes whatsoever. Almirón stayed on the prowl and nearly assisted Elías Báez if not for a tough low save from Blake in the 34th.

Everything was going Atlanta United's way until a physical play in their own box resulted in a penalty for Philadelphia. Elías Báez stuck an arm out and caught a Philadelphia attacker. Milan Iloski stepped up to take the kick, and his strike rifled off the left post and away, and Atlanta maintained their lead. 

The Union pushed to level the score as the halftime whistle beckoned, but after eight additional minutes, the 5-Stripes stood tall to keep their 1-0 lead into the break. 

Coming out of the break, Atlanta United got straight to business. Lovely buildup play on the left side resulted in Almirón getting to the endline and whipping a ball across the box. Latte Lath's lunge couldn't get there, but there was Tomás Jacob streaking at the back stick to punch it in for 2-0 in the 47th minute.​

With firm yet still uncertain control, Atlanta United tried to slow the pace of the match down. Still, Philadelphia pushed forward, and they nearly got one back in the 62nd. Agustín Anello found space from a cutback pass and had an almost entirely open net, but his shot was too high.

Almirón wouldn't stop providing, and it led to history. His third assist of the match came in the 68th minute as Alexey Miranchuk finished off the counterattack with a comfortable finish. With it, Almirón broke Atlanta United's all-time assists record, earning his 38th in all competitions.

It wasn't all coasting to the final whistle afterward. Lucas Hoyos made a tough save to his left in the 81st minute as Philadelphia looked for a consolation goal. The visitors did get it in the 87th minute, as squared header across the box led to a goal for Anello. 

But it wouldn't change the result: Atlanta United had their first win of 2026 sealed and stamped, a 3-1 victory that was nothing short of convincing.

Standouts:

• Miguel Almirón continued to up his level as the season moves on, putting in a dynamic performance. He picked up his first three assists of the 2026 season, becoming the third Atlanta United player to record three in one match. 
• The center backs. Stian Gregersen and Enea Mihaj were forces to be reckoned with in the air, shutting down the long passes that Philadelphia loved to turn to.

Milestones:

• Miguel Almirón tied then broke the club assists record with three on the day, ending with 38 total assists in all competitions. 
• Emmanuel Latte Lath scored his first goal and got his first assist of the 2026 regular season.
• Tomás Jacob scored his first goal for the club in a moment of pure hustle, getting on the end of an Almirón cross that made it all the way across the box.

Up next: Atlanta United stays at home for the third of four consecutive home matches. The 5-Stripes will face off against D.C. United Saturday, March 21. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.