Defender Ruan Gregorio Teixeira scored in the second half, and goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois kept a clean sheet without needing to make a save, securing his fifth shutout of the season as CF Montreal defeated Atlanta United 1-0 on Saturday night.
The decisive goal came in the 51st minute when Ruan capitalized on assists from Raheem Edwards and Ariel Lassiter to score his second goal of the season for Montreal (6-9-8) and the sixth of his career spanning six years. Edwards notched his fourth assist of the season, while Lassiter earned his sixth.
Atlanta United (6-11-6) was reduced to ten men shortly after Ruan’s goal as defender Stian Gregersen received a second yellow card, resulting in a red card and a one-match suspension.
Brad Guzan made six saves in goal for Atlanta United, including three in a goalless first half.
Montreal extended its unbeaten streak at home to seven matches, going 3-0-4, which equals a club record achieved three times before, most recently in 2021.
Before the match, Atlanta United had lost its top two scorers, Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis, due to transfers.
Atlanta United maintains a historical advantage in the series with a record of 7 wins, 4 losses, and 3 draws. They secured their fifth playoff berth in club history last season with a 4-1 victory over Montreal. Montreal now holds a 4-2-2 record against Atlanta United in home matches.
Next, Atlanta United will host New York City FC on Wednesday, while Montreal will travel to face the New York Red Bulls on the same day.
