ATL Standard

Atlanta United faced a critical match against CF Montréal at home on Wednesday night, aiming to secure three points crucial for their 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs qualification hopes. However, the team fell short, losing 2-1 after Josef Martínez scored twice against his former club.

Despite this setback, Atlanta United remains in contention for a postseason spot with two matches left in the regular season. CF Montréal's victory boosts them above the playoff line in the Eastern Conference standings.

"I think tonight kind of sums up the whole season, really," stated center back Derrick Williams. "Missing a lot of chances, missing goals. Like I said before, goals change games. It just hurts."

Daniel Ríos equalized for Atlanta United with a header in first-half stoppage time following a cross from Pedro Amador. This marked Amador's third assist of the season and Ríos' seventh goal, leaving him one behind Saba Lobjanidze, who leads the team.

"We'll keep fighting for the fans that are coming," Ríos expressed post-match. "We tried to show it today. The score is not our quality. Our effort has not been enough."

Josef Martínez made an impact for CF Montréal by scoring both goals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium—a familiar venue where he once played for Atlanta United. His first goal came from a well-executed play involving a direct free kick and precise footwork past goalkeeper Brad Guzan in the 43rd minute.

Martínez secured his brace with a close-range finish from Tom Pearce's cross in the 76th minute, which became the game-winner.

Following his second goal, Martínez refrained from celebrating as a sign of respect toward his former club and supporters who backed him during six seasons with Atlanta United.

Interim head coach Rob Valentino commented on the team's performance: "We shouldn't have been down tonight, but it was also nothing in the game... That's not good enough."

In other matches that evening affecting playoff standings, Philadelphia Union lost to Orlando City SC and Toronto fell to New York Red Bulls; both teams remain within reach of Atlanta United's current position at 34 points.

The upcoming home match against New York Red Bulls on Saturday becomes pivotal for Atlanta United's playoff aspirations. The game will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET on October 5th.