Ricketts scores late for TFC to tie Atlanta

ATLANTA — Tosaint Ricketts had a stoppage-time goal to lift Toronto FC to a 2-2 tie against Major League Soccer-leading Atlanta United on Saturday.

Edmonton’s Ricketts, who came off the bench in the 81st minute, punched home fellow Canadian Jonathan Osorio’s cross in the 91st minute to level it for defending champion Toronto (6-11-5).

The result extended Toronto’s unbeaten streak to five games.

“It’s a good result on the road,” Ricketts said. “It’s not easy to come into Atlanta and get a result. Good crowd, great atmosphere. So, we will take this point tonight.”

Josef Martinez scored twice for Atlanta to set an MLS record with 45 goals in his first two seasons.

Martinez passed Stern John (44, 1998-99) for most goals in his first two seasons.

The Venezuelan striker has 26 goals this season, one short of the MLS record. Atlanta (14-4-6) has 10 games remaining.

Martinez tied it at 1-1 with a penalty kick in the 53rd minute after drawing the penalty against goalkeeper Alex Bono.

Toronto coach Greg Vanney was not happy. “One of the key moments was the PK that should not have been a PK,” Vanney said. “To me, that’s unfortunate, because that’s the whole purpose of VAR (video assistant referee).

Toronto travels to Vancouver to face the Whitecaps in the first leg of the Canadian Championship final

Wednesday.