An ingenious display of patience and cunning from Atlanta United striker Jamal Thiare has ignited the internet after his side’s triumph over Toronto FC.

As Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran lay on the ground holding the ball, Thiare casually walked over to pick up a water bottle before stealthily approaching the keeper from behind.

In a swift move, Thiare seized the ball from Gavran’s feet the moment he attempted to kick it, slotting it into an empty net in the dying moments of stoppage time to secure victory for Atlanta United.

Atlanta United’s Jamal Thaire (L) sneaked up on Toronto’s keeper to score a late goal

Fans were astounded by Thiare’s quick thinking, which led to Atlanta’s victory

The goal sparked a wave of reactions across social media, with ESPN’s Pat McAfee tweeting, “Hidden dude trick game-winner.”

Apple TV analyst Taylor Twellman shared a video of Robbie Keane pulling off a similar move during his time at Tottenham against Birmingham City.

Atlanta United podcaster Joe Patrick humorously remarked, “We spend all week recording hours of podcasts, reviewing film, and thoroughly analyzing the players and coaches to predict the game’s outcome. And then they pull off something like this.”

“I always wondered if this could actually happen, and apparently, the answer is ‘yes,'” said Jane Coaston of The New York Times.

“Incredible! That’s a classic,” wrote Fox Sports college football writer Bryan Fischer.

MLS analyst Matthew Doyle exclaimed, “You witness a goal like this maybe once every five years. But a goal like this to win the game in the seventh minute of stoppage time? I’ve never seen anything like it, not even in MLS.”

With this victory, Atlanta United now draw level with Toronto on points, trailing them by a single goal.