Nick Firmino needed only three minutes to turn his Major League Soccer debut into an unforgettable memory, and a heroic moment for Atlanta United.
Firmino, who has excelled in 2023 with MLS NEXT Pro affiliate ATL UTD 2, scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to save a point in a 2-2 draw against New York City FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Firmino scored the tying goal three minutes after entering the match in the 87th minute.
Atlanta United came from behind twice to tie the match. Gabi Pereira opened scoring in the first minute for NYCFC. Tyler Wolff equalized for the Five Stripes 10 minutes later. Pereira scored again in the 56th minute, setting Gonzalo Pineda up to make attacking substitutions late, including giving Firmino the nod to replace Franco Ibarra.
Altanta United announced Firmino and Luke Brennan's call-up to the first time before the match Saturday.
Firmino received his first call-up to Atlanta United's first team earlier this season, ahead of a match against the Columbus Crew on March 25, but did not see the field.
ATL UTD 2 has benefitted greatly from Firmino's contributions. Firmino was named Player of the Matchday after Matchday 11, in which he scored two goals and added one assist in a 5-0 win over Inter Miami II. The Brazilian-American forward has scored eight goals and added three assists in 14 appearances.
