CF Montreal dominated Atlanta United for almost the entire match and took a 1-0 victory on Saturday night at Stade Saputo.
The Bleu-blanc-noir took some time to get going, but when they found their stride, their opponents were unable to maintain possession. The home team dominated possession 64% to 36%.
Ruan opened the scoring early in the half, helping CF Montreal (6-9-8) extend its unbeaten streak at home to seven games (3-0-4). Laurent Courtois’s squad received a boost in the 55the minute, when Stian Gregersen was shown a red card.
With this victory, Montreal temporarily rose to ninth and final place in the Eastern Conference, giving access to the playoffs, two points ahead of three rivals.
Atlanta United (6-11-6) suffered a third straight loss, allowing a total of eight goals. The Five Stripes recently moved their top two scorers, Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis.
Montreal’s newest acquisition, defender Tom Pearce, was not in the lineup. The team is also awaiting the return of Mathieu Choiniere, Samuel Piette and Joel Waterman, who represented Canada at the Copa America.
CF Montreal will return to action on Wednesday night when they visit the New York Red Bulls.
One goal makes the difference
Atlanta United had an interesting start to the match, but it can’t be said that they came to Saputo Stadium looking for three points. Meanwhile, Montreal were methodical, but they didn’t really threaten.
The Bleu-blanc-noir slowly established their rhythm and managed a few breakthroughs in the enemy penalty area. The best opportunity came from the foot of Raheem Edwards, in the 34th minute.e minute, but his leg passes did not fool goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
Ariel Lassiter had a knock on the door a few minutes later, but his shot just missed the target to the right of Guzan. Despite his shot, the Costa Rican managed to draw a dangerous free-kick from the edge of the area. Josef Martinez tried to place it in the top corner, but it missed the target.
CF Montreal quickly threatened in the second half and was rewarded in the 51st minute.e minute. Edwards delivered a wonderful cross to the opposite side of the box and Ruan cleverly headed the ball in to open the scoring.
Gregersen, who had fouled Lassiter earlier in the game, received a second yellow card when he shoved Ruan, opening the door to more Montreal attacks.
Alone in front of the goalkeeper, Martinez had a golden opportunity, but Guzan stuck out his left leg to deny him a goal. The 39-year-old veteran goalkeeper did the same a few minutes later, but at the expense of Jules-Anthony Vilsaint.
Guzan made another spectacular save for the fans in the 88th minute.e minute. He made a nice save to his right to push away a violent shot from Mason Toye with his fingertips.
The Montrealers then closed the books to confirm their victory.