After resting most of his starters last Wednesday during the 4-1 win vs Atlas in Leagues Cup, Ronny Deila sent a charged Starting XI to the pitch of Stade Saputo. One of the highlights was Enea Mihaj who was making his first start for the 5-Stripes in MLS play, and was tasked with pairing up in defense with Stian Gregersen.
But not only the two center backs needed to be solid in the back; just as the first line of defense in soccer is the last attacker, Deila's instructions seemed to be clear: Mihaj and Gregersen needed to generate the first pass forward. Juan Berrocal and Steven Alzate made their debuts for Atlanta United, in a match that had more opportunities for either side in the first 45 minutes.
Atlanta United will visit Colorado Rapids next weekend and we'll come back home Sunday, August 24 for a 4:00 pm early kick off (View tickets).
What happened
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Saba Lobjanidze was the early catalyst for Atlanta United's attack. The Georgian international was a constant threat on the left wing, combining effectively with Alexey Miranchuk and Emmanuel Latte Lath. His relentless pressure even forced a foul from former Atlanta homegrown defender Efraín Morales, who earned an early yellow card in the 10th minute after a high-footed challenge.
Atlanta's dynamism continued to prevail. In the 16th minute, a quick give-and-go between Latte Lath and Tristan Muyumba sent Latte Lath into the box, but his right-footed shot was saved by Montréal's debutant goalkeeper, Thomas Gillier. The young Chilean was immediately tested again, making a crucial save to deny an Almirón's header on the follow-up play.
After the 20-minute mark, Montréal finally began to find their rhythm, generating a few dangerous attacks that were handled well by Brad Guzan and the defensive line. Their best chance at the time came in the 27th minute when Dante Sealy skillfully controlled a ball outside the box and struck a left-footed shot that bounced off the left post.
But Atlanta refused to relent. A high press by the 5-Stripes forced a turnover from Morales, and Latte Lath quickly pounced on the opportunity, sending a shot narrowly wide of the left post.
The home team broke the deadlock in the 40th minute, however. A throw-in led to Victor Loturi finding Prince Owusu, who shielded Gregersen and escaped pressure. Owusu then found an open Caden Clark, who entered the box with ease behind Muyumba's back. Noticing the space left by Brooks Lennon, Clark delivered a one-touch pass to Sealy, who finished with a confident strike, leaving Guzan no chance.
Second Half: Atlanta Fights Back for a Draw
Atlanta United opened the second half with a substitution, bringing on Will Reilly for Muyumba to provide more control in the midfield. Despite the change, CF Montréal continued to dominate the match, maintaining a high press on Atlanta's defense.
As the half progressed, coach Deila made further adjustments in search of an equalizer. Juan Berrocal and Steven Alzate made their club debuts, replacing Mihaj and Hernández, respectively. This last substitution shifted Bartosz Slisz to right-back. With 15 minutes remaining, Luke Brennan was also subbed in for Lennon, adding another attacking option.
The effort finally paid off in the 87th minute with a dramatic equalizer.
It was a chaotic sequence of headers from a Lobjanidze corner kick. The initial header from Slisz sent the ball toward the far post. After a scramble involving Morales, Williams, and Brennan, the ball fell to Alexey Miranchuk, who headed it into the net with ease, tying the match.
Miranchuk had one more chance to win it all in the 93rd minute. After controlling the ball outside the box, he unleashed a powerful left-footed shot—a type of goal he's scored many times before. However, the ball struck the crossbar, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Up Next:
Atlanta United will travel to face the Colorado Rapids next Saturday, August 16 (9:30 pm on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV). Atlanta will come back home hosting Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (View tickets)
