Atlanta United and CF Montreal face off at a time when every game is like gold dust. We're heading into the regular season's final stretch in the MLS, and only the strongest will make it to the playoffs.
Atlanta comes into this with a sour taste in their mouths, not having won a match since August 31st. Meanwhile, Montreal is on a roll, unbeaten in their last four. It’s clear: it’s "do or die" for both sides.
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Let’s talk about Atlanta United. This team used to dazzle the league, with fans who could light up any stadium. But lately... they've hit a rough patch. The season started strong, but by September, things started to go off the rails. Their last win? Way back at the end of August against Charlotte FC. Since then, it’s like they’ve been stuck in neutral. That draw with Philadelphia Union last game? Sure, it wasn’t bad considering the context, but it doesn’t fix the underlying problem.
Now, sitting with 34 points, Atlanta is 11th in the conference, itching to leapfrog Montreal, who’s holding the 10th spot with 37 points. But it’s not just about climbing the ranks. The team’s gotta show they still have that fire, that glint in their eyes from when they lifted the MLS Cup in 2018. This Wednesday is the perfect moment for that. Either they step onto the field with some grit, or they can kiss their playoff hopes goodbye. There’s no middle ground.
A glimmer of hope? Saba Lobjanidze. The forward has already netted eight times this season, and it was his goal that snatched that draw in the last match. He’s the guy to watch. But hey, it can’t all fall on his shoulders, right? The rest of the squad needs to snap into it, especially the defense, which has been struggling to hold off opponents.
Now, let's shift to CF Montreal. Who would've thought? They're in a good groove. After a few lackluster seasons, they’re finally showing some bite. The last four games have completely turned things around for them, racking up 10 points out of a possible 12. And get this: their keeper, Jonathan Sirois, has been an absolute wall, helping secure two clean-sheet wins.
If Atlanta is craving a win, Montreal’s just as ready to pour cold water on those dreams. They know that a positive result here could pave a much clearer path to the playoffs. Last time these two met back in July, Montreal had the last laugh with a 1-0 win. You can bet they'll be looking to repeat that.
And there’s another thing to watch out for: Montreal's chasing their 600th goal in the MLS regular season. And honestly, what better way to hit that milestone than by putting one past a direct playoff rival?
Atlanta’s got the home advantage, sure, but it’s not just about winning. It's about showing the fans they’re still in this fight, that the championship spark is still burning. On the other side, Montreal’s riding high on confidence and knows that even a draw could work in their favor. But let's face it, no one’s stepping onto the field looking for a tie. It’s win or bust.
To be real, Atlanta United’s in a tight spot. They need those three points like they need air. If they don’t pull off a win here, morale’s gonna take a nosedive, and the playoffs will start slipping out of reach. Meanwhile, if Montreal grabs the victory, they take a giant step towards securing their playoff spot and leave their rivals in an almost impossible situation to recover.
Oh, and there’s a bit of a revenge vibe here, too. Atlanta remembers their last encounter all too well—a narrow loss to Montreal. Now, they’ve got a shot at payback, to redeem themselves in front of their fans, and prove they’re not a team that folds easily. But Montreal won't make it easy. They come in with a rock-solid defense, led by Sirois, and the confidence of a team that's been giving its opponents a real headache.
One thing’s for sure: this match is gonna have us on the edge of our seats from start to finish. It’ll be a tactical battle. Atlanta United’s gotta go on the offensive, but they can’t afford to leave their defense wide open. Montreal, on the other hand, will likely sit back a bit, waiting for that perfect moment to pounce on the counterattack.
And honestly, could the timing be any better? With the season's end looming, this showdown feels like a preview of the playoffs. Whoever comes out on top here not only grabs crucial points but also gains a huge morale boost heading into the final stretch.