CF Montreal midfielder Bryce Duke had warned reporters of Atlanta United’s quality at set pieces.
Brooks Lennon hit the target in such a situation and the Atlanta squad defeated the Bleu-blanc-noir 1-0 on Saturday night at Saputo Stadium.
Lennon is the one who received the boos from the crowd, but in truth he was the heir to a spectacular Thiago Almada free-kick. The young Argentinian had just hit the post when his teammate completed the maneuver.
The Montreal troupe suffered a second loss in a row at Stade Saputo, a first since August 28 and September 9, 2020. They also suffered their first loss against Atlanta United (9-5-8) in their last five meetings.
This loss is a blow to CF Montreal (8-11-2), which missed an opportunity to solidify its place in the playoffs. It temporarily remained in the ninth and last place giving access, but four other teams held the same number of points.
Last week, New York City FC managed to collect their first road victory this season thanks to a victory against the Montrealers. This time, Atlanta United secured their first triumph on opposing grounds since March 11.
Montreal captain Samuel Piette was back on the bench after an absence of more than three months. Mathieu Choinière and Lassi Lappalainen, both injured, were missing.
CF Montreal will get back to work Wednesday night by visiting the Chicago Fire.
Fatal free kick
The Bleu-blanc-noir tried his luck a few times at the start of the game, but he lacked a bit of finishing.
Forward Mason Toye was at the heart of a first scoring opportunity in the sixth minute, but his left-footed shot was blocked by goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
About ten minutes later, following a short corner kick, Duke crossed the ball for Toye, but his deflected header went over the net.
Atlanta United also buzzed near the penalty area, in the 27the minute, but Lennon’s shot was blocked by defender Rudy Camacho.
The two teams exchanged a dangerous net shot in the 34the minute. First, Guzan had to dive to his left to grab a throw from Duke. Seconds later, Almada offered a magnificent cross to Lennon, who however narrowly missed the target to the right of the far post.
The visitors had a golden chance early in the second half, after Camacho had fouled Almada outside the penalty area, and they capitalized on it.
Twenty yards from the net, the Argentinian curled in a superb shot that hit the top of the post to the left of goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois. The ball came back in front and Lennon had no difficulty sending it into an empty net at the 54th mark.e minute.
CF Montreal threatened late in the game with a few attacks near Guzan’s net, but the enemy defense held on.