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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’s Gonzalo “Pity” Martínez (10) moves the ball upfield while defended by Montreal’s Saphir Taïder (8) 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 Gonzalo “Pity” Martínez (10) moves the ball upfield while defended by Montreal’s Saphir Taïder (8) 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) /

1. A new type of win

Despite the fantastic defensive numbers from Atlanta this season, there is one major area they’ve struggled in, despite its obscure nature. Prior to Saturday’s result, when conceding a goal, Atlanta are 0-6-2 in MLS play. All eight of Atlanta’s wins came via shutout. And while shutting out opposing teams is impressive, it’s less impressive when you see the team’s inability to win when conceding a goal.

That finally changed on Saturday. Despite conceding early in the second half, Atlanta battled back to overcome a challenge they’ve faced all season. For long stretches of the second half it seemed like Atlanta may lose in heartbreaking fashion, similar to the losses in Toronto and Salt Lake. However, the team remained solid in defense the rest of the way and got the goal they needed, no matter how tough it was.

This type of win is special in a couple of ways. First, it allows the players to get over the mental block of conceding and not winning. Second, and more importantly, this win gives the players a boost in confidence. That confidence is needed with such a tough slate of matches in the near future.

In a span of 31 days, Atlanta will play eight matches. Six of those eight matches are against teams above the playoff line, including Western conference heavyweights LAFC and Seattle Sounders, which will be on the road. The team also has their US Open Cup quarterfinal match against USL side St. Louis FC.

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It’s going to be an important month for Atlanta as they push towards the playoffs and hopefully another trophy (or two). Thanks to the win over Montreal, they’re off to a great start.

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