Atlanta United Edges CF Montréal 3-2 in Thrilling MLS Opener

Atlanta United served a sumptuous treat for those in attendance to mark a thrilling start to their 2025 MLS season. Atlanta United edged out CF Montréal with a 3-2 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. On February 22, 2025, The match was witnessed by a massive crowd of 65,520 fans, marking the third-largest soccer attendance worldwide that weekend.  

A game of two opposite halves saw Ronny Deila's team dig deep to fight off the challenge of the resolute Le CFM. Deila’s tactics for Atlanta United's season opener against CF Montréal emphasized aggressive attacking play, high pressing, and quick transitions. Deila set up his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing flexibility in attack and defensive solidity. The double pivot in midfield provided a balance between ball retention and defensive coverage. Wide attacking players were given the freedom to cut inside or stretch the defence. 

Key Tactical Principles 

Atlanta United pressed Montréal aggressively, particularly in the first half, aiming to win the ball high up the pitch. The midfield duo worked to disrupt Montréal's buildup, with the wingers suffocating passing lanes. The team focused on fast, direct attacks after winning possession. Miguel Almirón and  Aleksei Miranchuk were tasked with progressing the ball quickly. Emmanuel Latte Lath provided a mobile striker option, making runs behind the defence. Deila emphasized set-pieces, evident in Atlanta’s first goal Latte Lath's header from a Saba Lobjanidze corner. The team looked well-drilled in attacking dead-ball situations. 

When out of possession, the team dropped into a compact mid-block, reducing space for Montréal to play through the lines. The two central midfielders acted as screens for the back four. Atlanta’s fullbacks pushed high up the field, supporting attacks and providing width. This formation allowed the wingers to drift inside and combine with the attacking midfielders. 

How It Unfolded 

New signing Emmanuel Latte Lath signaled his intent in the 5th minute when he made the keeper work with a low left-footed shot from the centre of the box. Latte Lath collected a superb pass from Matt Edwards down the right flank. Latte Lath weaved his way past two defenders before hitting a low shot to the left of the keeper Jonathan Sirois. Two teams that love to go down each other's throat saw Caden Clark in the 12th minute respond well and force a comfortable save out of Brad Guzan, who dived low to his left to keep the visitors at bay.  

Both teams traded pounces throughout the first forty minutes in search of an opening. In the closing five minutes of the first half, Atlanta United intensified its offensive efforts, seeking to break the deadlock. Their persistence paid off in the 42nd minute when Emmanuel Latte Lath, making his club debut, scored the opening goal. The goal originated from a corner kick delivered by Saba Lobjanidze after CF Montreal conceded a corner through Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty. Latte Lath showcased his aerial prowess by leaping above the defence to head the ball into the corner of the net with significant pace. This marked his first goal for Atlanta United and set the tone for the remainder of the match. 

Coach Courtois ruffled the feathers of the CF Montreal players, made early second-half changes and juggled his formation. His adjustment paid an instant dividend. Just two minutes into the second half, in the 47th minute, midfielder Nathan Saliba capitalized on a defensive lapse by Atlanta United. Nathan Saliba headed in a cross from Prince Owusu on the edge of the penalty area into the bottom corner past goalkeeper Brad Guzan. This swift response nullified Atlanta's lead and shifted the momentum favouring CF Montréal.

Following the equalizer, CF Montréal maintained their offensive pressure, attempting to exploit Atlanta's momentary disorganization. Their midfield effectively disrupted Atlanta's attempts to regain control, leading to a few half-chances that kept Atlanta's defence on high alert while not resulting in goals. This period highlighted CF Montréal's determination and ability to capitalize on opportunities, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive second half. While wearing Atlanta United down, after gaining a foothold on the contest, CF Montreal came close to going ahead in the 62nd minute when Bryce Duke picked out Prince Owusu at the back post. Still, his header from the right side of the six-yard box was saved in the bottom right corner by the outstanding Brad Guzan.  

Ronald Hernández delivered a precise cross into the penalty area a minute later. Miguel Almirón, positioned near the penalty spot, leapt to head the ball toward the goal. Montréal's goalkeeper, Jonathan Sirois, managed to parry Almirón's header, but the ball fell into a dangerous area just in front of the goal. Latte Lath quickly reacted, slotting the loose ball into the net with composure. That goal marked Latte Lath's second of the match, showcasing his poaching instincts and clinical finishing ability. The pendulum quickly swung into Atlanta United's favour as winkle toes Saba Lobjanidze waltzed his way in the box before setting up Latte Lath for his debut hat-trick. Still, the goalkeeper pulled off a miraculous save in the 66th minute to keep the score within touching distance. 

 Staring down the barrel of the first defeat of the season for CF Montreal they showed how resilient they are. In the 71st minute, CF Montréal secured their second equalizing goal, bringing the score to 2-2. The goal originated from a corner kick delivered into Atlanta's penalty area. Defender George Campbell rose above the defence to head the ball into the six-yard box. Positioned advantageously, forward Prince Owusu reacted swiftly, tapping the ball past goalkeeper Brad Guzan into the net. The goal showcased Montréal's effective set-piece execution and Owusu's opportunistic finishing.  

Courtois set up Montréal to absorb pressure and exploit Atlanta’s high line with quick counterattacks. Their midfielders, especially Nathan Saliba and Samuel Piette, worked tirelessly to disrupt Atlanta’s play and win second balls despite Atlanta’s attacking pressure, forcing difficult shots and blocking key passing lanes. Goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois made crucial saves to keep his team in the game. 

In the final ten minutes of regulation time, Ronny Deila made a bold attacking substitution, bringing on Edwin Mosquera in place of Saba Lobjanidze. The move indicated his intent to push for a late winner rather than settle for a draw. Mosquera’s pace and dribbling ability allowed Atlanta to exploit Montréal’s tiring defence. Unlike Lobjanidze, who focused more on linking up play, he took a direct approach, taking on defenders and cutting inside. Deila trusted Mosquera to press aggressively, forcing mistakes from Montréal’s backline. 

Delia's bold move reaped benefits in the 85th minute when Mosquera received a pass just outside the penalty box on the left side. He cut inside onto his right foot with quick footwork, creating space for a shot. From the edge of the box, he curled a stunning effort past Jonathan Sirois, nestling the ball into the far corner. The goal ignited wild celebrations, pushing Atlanta United ahead in the contest.  

The fans gasped for breath and bit their nails nervously in the dying moments of the game as CF Montréal was awarded a free kick in a dangerous position. As the clock approached the 89th minute, Tom Pearce stepped up to take the set piece, delivering a well-placed shot on target. Atlanta's veteran goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, showcased his experience and composure by making a crucial save, preserving Atlanta's 3-2 lead. The match extended into 10 minutes of stoppage time, during which Atlanta United's defence remained resolute, ultimately securing the victory. 

Deila’s decision to introduce Mosquera proved decisive, demonstrating his tactical flexibility and ability to read the game. Instead of a cautious approach, he opted for an aggressive change, which ultimately secured all three points for Atlanta. This victory not only highlights Atlanta United's attacking depth but also sets a positive tone for the season under new head coach Ronny Deila. The team's resilience in reclaiming the lead twice underscores their determination and potential for the upcoming campaign. 

On the contrary CF Montréal may have lost, but their ability to fight back twice on the road against a strong Atlanta side shows they won’t be easy to beat this season. Their mix of defensive structure, counterattacking efficiency, and mental toughness could make them a tough opponent in MLS.