Atlanta United strive to build on a promising run of form when they face visiting CF Montreal on Saturday night.
Atlanta (2-7-1, 7 points) enters the match just one step above last place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings. But it is on a two-game winning streak across all competitions, which includes Tuesday’s 2-0 win at Charlotte FC in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16.
The past two games have provided a much-needed respite for a club that struggled significantly to open the season.
“We want soccer that fans find exciting, that wins games and (makes) opponents (not) want to come and play us,” Atlanta midfielder Will Reilly said. “I don’t think we’re anywhere near how we want to be playing, but we’re in the right direction now.”
CF Montreal (3-6-0, 9 points) have a little wind in their sails after winning their first two matches under interim head coach Philippe Eullaffroy. After a 4-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls on April 17, it topped New York City FC 1-0 on April 25 behind Prince Owusu’s team-high sixth goal of the season.
“We have a lot of belief in the squad we have right now, not only our starting 11, but the depth we have,” Montreal defender Jalen Neal said. “We’re all on the same page with our tactics. So, yeah, we’re looking like a team that can fire on a lot of cylinders right now.”
Atlanta United are looking to end a four-match home winless streak (0-3-1). Montreal is 1-5-0 on the road and has dropped its last three away from Stade Saputo.
Alexey Miranchuk, who leads Atlanta with six goals across all competitions, has found the net in back-to-back matches. Owusu has two goals and two assists in his last two matches.
Miguel Almiron (knee) is questionable for Saturday, per Atlanta head coach Tata Martino.
–Field Level Media
