NYCFC duo take familiar Atlanta United goal celebration in win over Five Stripes

Was there a passing of a torch in New York City FC's4-1 win over Atlanta United on Wednesday?


It's unknown if Heber and Valentin Castellanos were trying to copy Atlanta United star Josef Martinez (out injured for this game) and former teammate Miguel Almiron with a goal celebration on Heber's late tally, but was it a symbolic transfer from one club to another?

Heber was back for the game off the bench, and even after missing four games due to a quad injury, the Brazilian picked up right where he left off.

NYCFC duo take familiar Atlanta United goal celebration in win over Five Stripes - https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/images/Josef-Miggy-fusion.jpg?JYY_HDn44gly.fluAdmBzS4dRv1vYVps

Josef and Almiron's version of the celebration | USA Today Sports Images


He scored the capper in the win for NYCFC, to all but wrap up first place in the Eastern Conference. The strike gives Heber 15 goals in league play this season, keeping him in the top five in MLS despite joining after the season started.


Heber's return is a boost for NYCFC, as his injury was originally believed to be one that could keep him all the way until the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs. While Alexandru Mitrita and Castellanos picked up the slack in Heber's absence, having the top scoring options healthy and in form before the postseason makes NYCFC a fearsome contender for MLS Cup.