Houston, Texas
Sam Mbonu
Atlanta United defeated Montréal FC on penalties to advance to round one of the 2024 MLS Eastern Conference Playoffs.
- Atlanta United to face Inter Miami in eastern conference round one.
- Former Atlanta United forward, Josef Martinez scored a brace against his old side.
Playing the eastern conference wild card game at Stade Saputo, Atlanta United raced to an early 2 nil lead when Brook Lenon turned in Amador’s good ball in with a low header into Montreal net to give the visitors the early lead in the 29th minute.
Atlanta doubled the lead in the 44th minute when Norwegian defender, Stian Rode Gregersen headed in a cross from set pieces in between two Montreal defenders.
Atlanta was cruising with the air of confidence that the game had been put to bed until their former player, Josef Martinez who cut his MLS teeth at the Mercedes Stadium gave Montreal the much-needed lifeline. In the 63rd minute, Martinez poked in from close range when Atlanta United goalkeeper, Brad Guzan spilled his save, and it fell to Josef Martinez who was lurking in the goal area.
The goal seems to have awakened the fighting spirit of Montreal, Stade Saputo came alive as they keep the pressure button on, Brad Guzan stood between Montreal Football Club and the goal making couple of great saves, but the home team was awarded a controversial penalty when Ghanian FW, Kwado Opoku was fouled by Brook Lennon and the referee after he consulted the pitch side monitor awarded Montreal FC a penalty deep into stoppage time and Jose Martinez converted to level the game at 2-2.
A penalty shootout was needed to break the tie and Montreal midfielder Tom Pearce kick was saved by Brad Guzan as Atlanta United progressed to face Inter Milan in the eastern conference playoffs round one.
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