ATLANTA — Atlanta United defeated CF Montreal 1-0 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in front of a home crowd of 40,116; which is the largest attendance at a soccer match since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020.
In a fast-paced match from the onset, both teams held a strong defensive stance. There were multiple near misses that could have easily shifted the momentum of the game. Atlanta United appeared to be dominant on offense with the early and consistent attack while setting the pace of the match by controlling possessions.
United nearly doubled the possession percentage 64.1% to CF Montreal 35.9%. Another key to the 5 Stripes dominance in the 1st half was the number of passes at 330 which also nearly doubled Montreal’s 185.
There were three yellow cards shown in the first half of play. Two to Montreal and one for United; Santiago Sosa (Atlanta United) was shown a yellow card in the 17th minute, Rudy Camacho (CF Montreal) was shown a yellow card in the 19th minute, and Victor Wyama (CF Montreal) in the 29th minute.
CF started the second half with a planned attack at taking an immediate attempt of scoring first. Ronnell Quioto with Montreal attempted a right-footed shot just outside the box that was blocked in the 46th minute of the match. However, United’s relentless attack had three direct attempts at the goal two near misses, and one conceded attempt.
At 60 minutes into the match, they appear to maintain control of the game’s pace. The 5 Stripes continue to be aggressive at the goal while on the other end of the field Bradley Guzan is displaying a phenomenal performance in protecting the goal. Eighty minutes into the match Montreal remained on their heels as Atlanta continued to impose their will at attempts towards the goal. The United struggled with converting even though they displayed exceptional ball movement and control.
In the ninetieth minute of the match, the 5 Stripes efforts would yield the benefit of a last-minute score and victory with Marcelino Moreno nailing the header from the center of the box with the assist from Jake Mulraney.
Atlanta United moves up to eight points and improves their record to 2-1-2. The 5 Stripes will go to Lumen Field next to take on Seattle Sounders FC.
