Atlanta United dash Toronto FC's playoff hopes with win

Miguel Almiron and Cooper Sanchez scored first-half goals as host Atlanta United defeated Toronto FC 3-1 on Sunday, eliminating the visitors from MLS Cup playoff contention.

Alexey Miranchuk scored Atlanta's (9-18-6, 33 points) other goal, snapping a three-match skid and helping the team earn points for the first time since a 3-0 win over CF Montreal on Oct. 14.

Goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos made two saves as the 5-Stripes swept the season series against the Reds. Atlanta topped Toronto 2-1 north of the border on April 25.

Lewis Morgan scored for Toronto, and Luka Gavran made five saves.

With the loss, Toronto (9-12-12, 39 points) failed to earn points for just the second time in six matches (3-2-1).

Leading 2-0, Miranchuk gave the 5-Stripes a three-goal cushion in the 51st minute, tucking in a rebound after Almiron's strike hit the post.

Toronto captain Jonathan Osorio had a chance to put the visitors on the board in the 65th minute, but his header off a cross from Theo Corbeanu sailed just wide.

Atlanta nearly added to its lead in the 73rd minute, but Gavran made a save on Jay Fortune's left-footed strike from the center of the box.

In the 77th minute, Breel Embolo had a pair of excellent opportunities to give Atlanta a 4-0 lead, but Gavran saved his first attempt, and Embolo sent the rebound off the woodwork.

Morgan put Toronto on the board in the 79th minute. Josh Sargent's strike deflected to Morgan, who sent his shot past Hoyos.

Toronto held a slight edge in possession after the opening 45 minutes, but Atlanta led 2-0 at halftime.

Atlanta opened the scoring in the 22nd minute as Almiron redirected a through ball from Miranchuk through Gavran's legs for his seventh goal of the season.

Then, in the 40th minute, Sanchez doubled the 5-Stripes' lead, one-timing a cross from Almiron past a diving Gavran.

Giuliano Galoppo nearly made it 3-0 in the 43rd minute, but his bicycle kick sailed over the bar.

--Field Level Media