Josef Martinez came to haunt his former team and CF Montreal defeated Atlanta United 2-1 on Wednesday evening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Author of 98 goals in MLS in six years in Atlanta, Martinez scored both goals for the Bleu-blanc-noir to bring his team closer to a playoff spot in the Eastern Association.
The Montreal team jumped to eighth place in the East, three points ahead of the Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC, who lost on Wednesday. The eighth and ninth place teams from each association must play a playoff game before the start of the first round of the playoffs.
Martinez’s brilliance also allowed CF Montreal (10-12-10) to sign its first victory in Atlanta, after five defeats and a draw. He also obtained a first victory on opposing fields since March 10.
Laurent Courtois’ squad took the opportunity to remain undefeated in their last five outings (4-0-1), at the dawn of another decisive duel before the international break.
Daniel Rios responded for Atlanta United (8-14-10), who missed a great opportunity to tighten the race for the Eastern series. This fifth game in a row without a win left the “Five Stripes” in 12the rank, three points behind the Union and the TFC.
CF Montreal will return to action on Saturday evening, when they visit Charlotte FC. The North Carolina club confirmed its place in the playoffs on Wednesday.
Jesus, Mary, Josef
The Montrealers quickly established their rhythm at the start of the match and came within inches of opening the scoring. In the second minute, Caden Clark broke away from a defender, but his point shot hit the post to the left of goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
The two teams then progressed cautiously into enemy territory for around twenty minutes, without however giving themselves any major scoring opportunities.
Atlanta United gave their first real warning shot in the 25e minute, when Saba Lobjanidze accepted a cross from Alexey Miranchuk. His cross shot, however, barely missed the target.
Lobjanidze did something wrong again ten minutes later, when he was forgotten by Fernando Alvarez. The Georgian’s last touch proved to be a little too strong and goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois saved the furniture by sliding towards him.
After getting hot, the Bleu-blanc-noir opened the scoring before stoppage time, following a free kick. Martinez wanted to give the ball to Nathan Saliba, but Tristan Muyumba accidentally gave the object back to the Venezuelan, who threaded the needle into the top of the net.
The visitors, however, fell asleep for a few minutes before returning to the locker room, opening the door for Rob Valentino’s men. Pedro Amador lifted the ball to Rios, who made Alvarez look bad before deflecting with a header into the side net.
Alvarez wasn’t out of trouble early in the second half. He once again lost sight of Lobjanidze, but the latter deflected the ball against the crossbar.
Sensing their opponents in less good spirits, Atlanta United increased the pressure and made more and more breakthroughs near Sirois’ cage. The Quebecer had to report to the 69e minute, diving to his left to stop Miranchuk’s low shot.
This save proved to be important, as Martinez gave his team the lead seven minutes later. Freshly entered the match, Tom Pearce made a magnificent cross towards Martinez, who completed the maneuver to score his 10e goal of the campaign.