Atlanta United 2-2 Toronto FC: Beer-fuelled Sebastian Giovinco secures MLS points record

Toronto FC set a new MLS record for regular-season points by claiming a 2-2 draw at Atlanta United on Decision Day.

Sebastian Giovinco’s stunning free-kick saw the Reds come from behind twice to collect a well-earned point at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Toronto’s 69 points in 2017 tops the 1998 LA Galaxy, who the Reds had already tied by reaching 68.

Greg Vanney made the surprising decision to switch to a 4-4-2 diamond on Decision Day, with Jonathan Osorio coming into the team for Eriq Zavaleta and Steven Beitashour replacing Nicolas Hasler.

It looked to be paying off, with Toronto creating the better of the chances, until a Drew Moor handball spotted by few during the run of play was called back by the video assistant referee for an Atlanta penalty.

Yamil Asad converted from 12 yards.

Toronto persisted, though, and found an equalizer when Jozy Altidore snuck in behind Michael Parkhurst to slot Moor’s pass past Brad Guzan.

Altidore, booed all match along with his USA teammate Michael Bradley, had a beer thrown at him after scoring which a thirsty Giovinco made use of.

The visitors were good value for at least a draw, but Atlanta demonstrated their razor-sharp cutting edge when Josef Martinez directed a low cross past Alex Bono.

Whatever was in the now-infamous cup proved to be just the tonic for Giovinco, though, and he curled home possibly his best free-kick of the season to rescue a point and secure the record.