This story was originally published by Dead Spin
Atlanta United’s push toward a playoff spot has been slowed by the club recording draws in its last three matches.
Residing in 11th place in the congested Eastern Conference, the Five Stripes (8-13-10, 34 points) will look for a much-needed win on Wednesday night when they host 10th-place CF Montreal (9-12-10, 37 points) in Atlanta.
Both clubs are behind Toronto FC and the Philadelphia Union for the final two playoff spots in the East.
“We’ve got a home game now against Montreal, and that’s one that we have to win. I’ve talked to (the players) about this stage, (and it) is about winning games,” Atlanta interim head coach Rob Valentino said. “I think that point, in the end, well, we’ll see at the end where we’re at. But I think it’s going to be massive.”
Atlanta United’s Saba Lobjanidze scored his team-leading eighth goal and second in his last three matches in a 1-1 draw against the Union on Saturday.
Lobjanidze and his teammates were held in check in the first meeting against Montreal, a 1-0 setback on July 13.
Montreal enters Wednesday’s match off two straight shutout victories, including 3-0 over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, that extended the club’s unbeaten streak to four matches (3-0-1).
Josef Martinez scored twice early in the second half vs. the Earthquakes to boost his team-leading total to eight goals for the season.
“He’s the best version of himself the last couple weeks,” Montreal head coach Laurent Courtois said of Martinez, who was named the 2018 MLS MVP while playing in the second of his six seasons for Atlanta United.
“We knew that if his teammates played consistently and if he stayed healthy, he would have a lot of opportunities to shine. Now he’s coming back to his level.”
Caden Clark also tallied to mark his third goal in his last three matches at Stade Saputo. Unfortunately for Montreal, it is 2-8-5 on the road this season.
–Field Level Media
