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Atlanta United Vs Montreal Impact: 3 things we learned – Important win

By Josh Bouland

ATLANTA, GA JUNE 29: Atlanta's Justin Meram (14) is congratulated by head coach Frank de Boer (right) after being subbed off during the MLS match between the Montreal Impact and Atlanta United FC June 29th, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA JUNE 29: Atlanta's Justin Meram (14) is congratulated by head coach Frank de Boer (right) after being subbed off during the MLS match between the Montreal Impact and Atlanta United FC June 29th, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA JUNE 29: Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan (1) raises his arms to the referee during the MLS match between the Montreal Impact and Atlanta United FC June 29th, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA JUNE 29: Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan (1) raises his arms to the referee during the MLS match between the Montreal Impact and Atlanta United FC June 29th, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Gaining ground in the conference

It’s not secret to any MLS follower that Atlanta got out to a very slow start this season. It took until the fifth match of the season for Atlanta to get a win, and two points from the first four matches was incomprehensible for the MLS Cup champs. Since then, the Five Stripes have been on a roll, winning nine of their last 14 matches and going from the bottom of the conference to nearly the top.

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Thanks to an improved defense and knack for grinding out results, Atlanta are finally making a push to challenge for that top spot in the conference. Saturday’s win against Montreal was big in that regard, with Montreal right above Atlanta in the standings and four points ahead prior to kickoff. With games on Wednesday and Sunday against the Chicago Fire and New York Red Bulls, beating Montreal was an important step in trying to get back into first.

If Atlanta can pick up two more wins this week, or even a draw and a win, the Five Stripes will have 33 or 36 points and will either pass Philadelphia (based on certain results) or come very close. It’s important to note that although Philadelphia and Montreal have the same amount of wins as Atlanta (nine wins), they have two and three matches in hand on those teams respectively.

Atlanta are putting themselves in a good position to get that top playoff spot and the bye week that comes with it. Thanks to the win over Montreal, the Five Stripes are well on their way to that goal.

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