Atlanta United is headed back to the playoffs after a 4-1 win over CF Montreal.
Forward Giorgios Giakoumakis said it perfectly. “We have a chance to clinch the playoffs today because [our supporters] played a part [in it]. They were there for us the whole season. We had our ups and downs, but they were constantly there for us.” The Five Stripes are riding a small wave of good fortune. They’ve won three of their last six matches; the remaining were draws. It’s not exactly stellar, but it’s enough to give Atlanta United a chance to be back in the playoffs.
Midway through the first half, it’s scoreless. Atlanta United and CF Montreal are cutting off any hopes of offense. With some skillful dribbling and precise passing, this is a chess match. Add in several saved shots by Brad Guzan and a right-footed miss by Lassi Lappalainen of CF Montréal that went high, and it’s got the crowd wondering who will strike first. Fans didn’t have to wait long. Atlanta United scores two goals, nearly back-to-back. In the blink of an eye, it’s 2-0 with goals by Xande Silva and Thiago Almada in the 30th and 33rd minute. Almada is now the third player in Atlanta United history to reach double-digits in goals and assists in a single MLS season.
Yet, Montreal is unfazed. They’re also playing great soccer. They ran down the pitch and scored a quick goal in the 40th minute that disgusted Guzan. Ahmed Hamdi squeaks out a left-footed shot, with an assist from Lappalainen, that zips in. The crowd seems stunned as the time ticks down to halftime. However, Giakoumakis returns after halftime, hitting a beautiful goal with no CF Montreal player in sight. Silva created some room to work, leaving “GG” to score unassisted. The crowd is right back in it, waiting for more.
Giakoumakis and winger Saba Lobzhanidze attempted to add more to Atlanta United’s total but could not connect. Both teams become increasingly frustrated, and the yellow cards are flying soon.With CF Montreal knocking, Atlanta United cannot open the door.
The two sides aren’t giving each other an inch. Eventually, the dam breaks in the 87th minute. Joel Waterman of CF Montreal gets tangled up with Tristan Muyumba. The foul is not egregious, but whatever Waterman said to the official sealed his fate and the match. Head Coach Gonzalo Pineda makes some crafty subs, and Edwin Mosquera flings it home with an assist from Almada. The final score is 4-1, and Mercedes Benz is the loudest it’s been all night.
Atlanta United is going to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. Since Leagues Cup, Atlanta United is tied with Houston for most points earned and leads the league in goals scored with 19. They have another chance to continue their progress against Philadelphia on October 4th. Atlanta United will have their eyes open as Columbus plays Philadelphia next week. Consequently, Atlanta United also plays Columbus during their final home match. There are a lot of moving parts, but the top four teams at the end of the season get home field advantage. Atlanta could be in that conversation if they play their cards right.
Hall About Sports 