Latte Lath Bursts Onto the MLS Scene and Already Looks Like a Game-Changer | OneFootball

There are expensive signings, risky signings, and then there’s Emmanuel Latte Lath, the guy Atlanta United just dropped a record-breaking $22 million on. If anyone doubted the price tag, it only took 90 minutes to shut them up. Two goals, pure striker instincts, relentless hunger for the net, and a presence in the box that’ll give defenders nightmares. It’s just one game, but you can already tell, this guy is gonna shake up the MLS.

Atlanta’s 3-2 win over CF Montréal had fans leaving the stadium buzzing: “We’ve got a monster up top!” Not only did they grab all three points, but they also sent a loud and clear message to the rest of the league, if you want the trophy, you’ll have to go through them.

Lath arrived with plenty of hype, but no one really knew what to expect. Plenty of big-name players have landed in MLS only to flop. But judging by this debut, that’s not gonna be his story.

His first goal? Classic striker’s finish, a bullet header off a pinpoint Saba Lobjanidze corner. Perfect timing, insane leap, and the kind of execution that screams “born to score.” His second? Pure poacher’s instinct. The ball bounced loose in the box, and before Montréal’s keeper could even react, Lath had already buried it.

And he was this close to a hat-trick! If not for Montréal’s keeper pulling off a miracle save, his debut would’ve been even more unforgettable. But hey, bagging two goals in your first game? That’s one hell of a way to introduce yourself.

But this game wasn’t just about Latte Lath. Another familiar face stole some of the spotlight, Miguel Almirón, the guy Atlanta fans never stopped loving. Back after a few years in England, the Paraguayan playmaker looked right at home. He played with freedom, created chances, and even set up Edwin Mosquera’s game-winning screamer.

The 2018 Atlanta United squad that lifted the MLS Cup played with passion, speed, and a touch of chaos that made defenders panic. If this season opener is any sign, this new version of Atlanta might just have that same fire.

And if there’s one guy smiling from ear to ear, it’s Ronny Deila. The new head coach ran the show with confidence, guiding his squad to an electric win in front of a wild crowd of 65,520 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Of course, it wasn’t all perfect. The defense had a couple of shaky moments, giving up two avoidable goals. But hey, it’s the first game of the season, and chemistry takes time. What matters is that Atlanta fought till the final whistle. That kind of grit says a lot about what this team could accomplish in 2025.

Championship teams have strikers who deliver, plain and simple. If you want silverware, you need a No. 9 who terrifies defenders, wins games, and secures three points when it counts.

And based on what we just saw, Atlanta United’s got one. Latte Lath isn’t just a big-money signing, he’s already proving to be worth every cent. If he keeps this up, there’s no doubt he’ll be one of the league’s top scorers this season.

The team also has a stacked midfield, bolstered by Mateusz Klich, and an attacking unit that blends experience (Almirón) with youthful energy (Mosquera and Lobjanidze). Sure, there are still things to fine-tune, especially in defense, but one thing’s crystal clear, Atlanta is a serious contender this year.

Now, all eyes turn to the next challenge. On March 1, Atlanta heads on the road to face Charlotte FC, a team that always puts up a fight. Playing away from home will be a good test, but one thing’s for sure: if Latte Lath stays this hungry, every defense in the league is in for a long night.