Toronto FC's playoff chances continue to fade with loss to Atlanta United

Toronto FC's slim playoff hopes took a huge hit Saturday in a 4-2 loss to Atlanta United with Mexican defender Juan Jose Purata scoring an unlikely hat trick.

All three goals came off corners, with the cherry on the cake coming in the 88th minute as Purata doubled his Major League Soccer season output in one outing.

Thiago Almada scored in the 74th minute to give Atlanta a 3-2 lead after Toronto had twice pulled even. The Argentine designated player took advantage of the Toronto defence backing up — and captain Michael Bradley over-running the play — before unleashing a shot from the edge of the box that beat a diving Quentin Westberg.

Atlanta dominated a scoreless first half, denied the lead by Westberg's penalty save.

Purata put Atlanta ahead in the 47th minute, rising above Lukas McNaughton to head home a Brooks Lennon corner. The set piece was prompted by a fine Westberg save off Almada after a Mark-Anthony Kaye giveaway.

WATCH | Purata's hat trick lifts Atlanta United over Toronto FC:

Akinola tied it in the 52nd minute, beating goalkeeper Raul Gudino with TFC's first shot on target. Bradley started the play with a surging run before finding substitute Jesus Jimenez, who slipped the ball over to Akinola for his second of the season.

Purata conceded a penalty, taking down Jimenez after Bernardeschi found the Spaniard just inside the penalty box. The call survived video review and Bernardeschi slotted the ball home in the 67th minute for his eighth goal, including five from the penalty spot, in 10 MLS outings.

Westerg made a terrific save in the 87th minute to deny Almada. Toronto forward Deandre Kerr hit the goalpost in stoppage time.

Coming into weekend play, 10th-place Toronto (9-15-7) was four places and five