September 28, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta United head coach Rob Valentino gestures during the first half of the game against the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images Atlanta United has drawn its last three games to slow its progress into a playoff spot.
The Five Stripes (8-13-10, 34 points), ranked 11th in a crowded Eastern Conference, will look to host No. 10 Montreal (9-12-10, 37 points) on Wednesday night. A much needed victory.
Both clubs trail Toronto FC and the Philadelphia Union for the final two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.
“We have a home game now against Montreal, which is a game we have to win. I've talked to (the players) about this phase, (and) it's about winning the game,” Atlanta interim head coach Rob Valentino said . “I think ultimately we'll see where we are. But I think it's going to be huge.”
Atlanta United's Saba Lobjanidze scored his team-leading eighth goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw with the Union and his first in his last three games. Two goals.
On July 13, Lobjanidze and his teammates were in trouble in their first game against Montreal and ended up losing 0-1.
Montreal enters Wednesday's game on a two-game winning streak, including a 3-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday that extended the club's unbeaten streak to four games (3-0-1).
Joseph Martinez scored twice early in the second half against the Earthquakes to bring his team-leading total to eight this season.
“He's been the best version of himself the last few weeks,” Montreal coach Laurent Courtois said of Martinez. Named the 2018 Major League Soccer MVP.
“We know that if his teammates play consistently and if he stays healthy, he's going to have a lot of opportunities to shine. Now he's back to his level.”
Caden Clark also scored his third goal in his last three games at Saputo Stadium. Unfortunately, Montreal's away record this season is 2 wins, 8 draws and 5 losses.
–Scene-level media