Atlanta United 1-2 CF Montreal: Player ratings as the Five Stripes stares down the barrel of another defeat

On Wednesday night, Atlanta United was beaten 2 -1 for the first time at home by CF Montreal at the Mercedes Benz Stadium. Both teams strapped for points to secure a playoff spot and entered the game hungry for points. The game was a tight contest, with Atlanta seeking to capitalize on the home advantage. Atlanta dominated possession early, creating several chances but struggled to convert, while Montréal showed resilience, trying to catch the home side on the break. As both teams vie for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, the pressure and intensity of this match showcased the stakes for the final games of the regular season. 

 Despite Atlanta's early dominance in possession, it was Montréal who struck first, with former Atlanta United linchpin José Martínez scoring in the 43rd minute. Atlanta responded quickly just before halftime, levelling the score at 1-1 with a superb strike from Daniel Rios, assisted by Pablo Amador during stoppage time. 

In the second half, Montréal regained the lead in the 76th minute when Martínez found the back of the net again, this time assisted by Taylor Pearce. Atlanta pressed for an equalizer but could not break through, and the game ended 2-1 in favour of Montréal. This win boosted Montréal's playoff hopes, keeping them in 8th place, while Atlanta's struggles continue as they sit outside the playoff spots.  

Atlanta United 1 CF Montreal 2 player ratings  

Atlanta United 4-3-3 

Brad Guzan (GK): 6/10 - Guzan Made a few solid saves but was beaten twice by Josef Martínez. Guzan's efforts were pivotal in a match where the team struggled to contain Montreal's attacking threats. Guzan's experience and leadership remain vital for Atlanta's navigating a challenging playoff race.  

Brooks Lennon (RB): 6/10 - Lennon was active in the game, contributing defensively and offensively, but he was also cautioned with a yellow card in the 55th minute, which will lead to his suspension for the next match against the New York Red Bulls due to yellow card accumulation. 

Derrick Williams (CB): 5/10 - Williams struggled to contain Montreal's attack, particularly during crucial game moments. Despite several solid clearances and positioning, his overall impact was limited, especially in critical defensive situations, resulting in a mixed rating. Williams' involvement in set-pieces and ability to distribute from the back was notable, but not enough to prevent the defeat. 

Stian Gregersen (CB): 6/10 - The Norwegian defender showed solid defensive efforts but couldn't fully contain Josef Martínez, who scored twice. Gregersen was involved in vital defensive moments but struggled against Montréal's pressing attacks. Despite his solid positioning, the backline's inability to deal with critical moments proved costly for Atlanta. 

Pedro Amador (LB): 7/10 - Pedro delivered a solid performance in Atlanta United's 2-1 loss to CF Montréal on October 3, 2024. He provided a crucial assist for Daniel Rios' goal just before halftime, showing his attacking contribution from the left flank. Defensively, Amador was reliable, but he couldn't fully neutralize Montréal’s counterattacks.  

Ajani Fortune (LM): 6/10 - A notable performance as he was pushed forward from his usual midfield role to play as a left winger. Despite the tactical shift, Fortune showed his versatility but couldn't significantly impact the game's outcome: a solid work rate but limited offensive production in this unfamiliar role. 

Tristan Muyumba (CM): 5/10 - had a decent performance as a central midfielder alongside Bartosz Slisz and contributed defensively, helping the team maintain shape. However, his impact on the attack was limited.  

Bartosz Slisz (RM): 6/10 - His performance was quiet and unspectacular. Slisz partnered with Tristan Muyumba in the midfield and contributed defensively but struggled to influence the attacking side significantly. His rating reflects a performance where he did his job but didn’t stand out as a key figure in the match.  

Saba Lobzhanidze (FWD): 7/10 - had a strong performance and was involved in crucial attacking plays, displaying his skills and work rate. His overall rating was reflective of his contribution to both offences and defence. Lobzhanidze is known for his ability to create scoring opportunities, and he continues to be one of Atlanta's essential players this season. 

Daniel Rios (FWD): 8/10 - had a significant impact and was a thorn in Montreal FC's defence. He scored Atlanta's only goal in stoppage time of the first half, converting a well-placed cross from Pedro Amador with a powerful header. This goal marked Rios' seventh goal in this MLS this season. 

Aleksey Miranchuk (FWD): 7.5/10 - A strong performance contributed significantly to his team's offensive efforts. Miranchuk was instrumental in creating opportunities, showcasing his playmaking abilities with a critical assist. He completed 78% of his passes, attempted three shots, and had two successful dribbles, demonstrating his creativity and skill. His performance helped to maintain Atlanta's attacking pressure throughout the match. 

Rob Valentino (Manager): 5/10 - Valentino failed to execute critical defensive adjustments, especially against Montreal's pressing and quick transitions. The team struggled to contain Josef Martínez, who netted twice and could not capitalize on possession and chances created. Valentino had emphasized the importance of results at this stage in the season, especially with playoff contention on the line. However, Atlanta's defensive and offensive inconsistency in key moments reflected some tactical shortcomings, leading to a difficult result despite a strong fight. While his leadership and motivational approach continue to be evident, the result highlights areas of tactical improvement.