With New York City FC's Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs hopes hanging in the balance, Bénie Traoré stepped up when his team needed him most.

The Ivory Coast international, who joined the Pigeons this summer as a Designated Player from Swiss powerhouse FC Basel, produced a moment of magic to seal NYCFC's 2-1 home win over Atlanta United on Wednesday evening, earning Energy Moment of the Matchday presented by Celsius honors for Matchday 33 in the process.

Knotted at 1-1 in the dying moments of added time, Traoré gathered a pass from Kevin O'Toole and unleashed a long-range curler from nearly 25 yards that nestled perfectly inside the right post.

It was Traoré's second goal since joining NYCFC in June, but it couldn't have come in a more clutch moment.

Securing the crucial three points kept the Cityzens' playoff hopes alive. With two matches to go, NYCFC are 12th in the Eastern Conference (38 points), just three behind the Columbus Crew for the final Wild Card spot.

NYCFC continue their postseason pursuit when they host CF Montréal on Saturday afternoon (2 pm ET | Apple TV).