In itself, this historic 2-1 victory in Atlanta constitutes a perfect operation for CF Montreal. But it is above all by taking a look at the other results that he will be able to sleep comfortably on Wednesday evening.
Toronto lost at home. Philadelphia lost to Orlando. These two direct opponents in the playoff race in the East finished the evening three points behind Montreal, which is in eighth place.
It was said to be historic, this victory, made possible thanks to two high quality goals from Josef Martínez. This is the very first time in seven occasions that the CFM has won in Georgia, an unprecedented event since 2017.
In the context of this complicated 2024 season which is coming to a very successful conclusion, it is also a very first victory abroad since the 3-2 in Miami on March 10, i.e. in 16 matches.
And what good it does for Laurent Courtois’ men, carried over five meetings by a whole new confidence, refreshing at all levels.
Martinez, again and again
They were the most enterprising at the start of the match, in fact. Especially since in front of them, the fangs of a sinking Atlanta United were not very sharp in the first half.
Martínez, who was back where he made his name in MLS, opened hostilities in the 43e minute. He took advantage of a game of billiards in the area to receive the ball and put on his 9e of the season.
Despite the stakes of the moment, the Venezuelan did not celebrate, out of respect for the club which he took to its highest heights between 2017 and 2022.
After opening the brand, the CFM sinned by passivity. Altanta’s response only came a few minutes later, in stoppage time, on a header from Daniel Rios in the area.
The locals woke up in the second, taking care of most of the play. On the other hand, apart from a clear opportunity in the 59e which headed towards the crossbar, Sirois was not too worried.
PHOTO BRETT DAVIS, USA TODAY SPORTS BY REUTERS CON
Jonathan Sirois
Already, the draw was a lot better for the Bleu-blanc-noir. It was quite the opposite for Atlanta, which still had playoff hopes at the start. But the entry into play of Tom Pearce, replacing a very weak Raheem Edwards in the attacking third, changed the situation.
One of the Englishman’s first touches of the ball was a saving grace. At the 76ehe served Martínez with one of his magnificent crosses which make it difficult to explain how Courtois can do without his services in his starting eleven for several matches. Skillfully following the trajectory, the CFM attacker deflected the leather at the mouth.
For the 2-1. For victory. For a provisional place in the playoffs. For, perhaps, the title of most valuable player of the club in 2024.
When he left, a few minutes later, Martínez was applauded by the crowd, despite their hostility towards the visitors. The sign of a mark of respect on both sides.
The CFM takes over next Saturday, this time in Charlotte, a club which has just confirmed its place in the playoffs.
More details will follow.