Last-second goal sends CF Montréal to agonizing defeat in Atlanta

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Marcelino Moreno’s goal, seconds before the end of the game, carried Atlanta United to a 1-0 victory over CF Montréal on Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Just as it appeared the visitors were going to escape with a draw and a valuable point, Atlanta United struck in sudden fashion in added time. On a counter-attack, Jake Mulraney, a second-half substitute, sent a cross to Moreno, whose header from the penalty spot glanced off the post past goalkeeper Clément Diop.

Not only was CFM playing its third game in eight days — and against a rested squad — the match was played before 40,116 lively and boisterous spectators at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Escaping with a point in a hostile environment would have been a worthwhile effort under the circumstances.

CF Montréal produced a win and two defeats in the three-game sequence, its record now 2-2-2. Atlanta United, meanwhile, is 2-1-2.

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Atlanta United was a well-rested side, having not played since last Sunday when it tied Inter Miami, 1-1. So it wasn’t surprising the home side started the match on the front foot against a weary CFM club.

In the sixth minute, Erik Lopez got his head on a long cross and attempted to beat Diop, unsuccessfully, to the near post. Diop, the veteran, returned to his starting position after getting the night off last Wednesday, Kirkland’s James Pantemis recording the clean sheet against Inter Miami.

In the seventh, Josef Martinez’s header went over the bar. Martinez returned to the starting lineup last weekend for the first time in more than a year, having recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and scored his team’s only goal.

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Having weathered the early storm, CFM Montréal did well to survive the opening half without conceding a score. The visitor’s only serious scoring threat in the half came in the 32nd, off a free kick by Djordje Mihailovic. The ball went to Bjørn Johnsen — the hero Wednesday night with a brace — who attempted to deflect it with his head. But the ball appeared to strike his shoulder area, meaning he failed to generate sufficient power.

Mihailovic left Wednesday’s game in the first half with a lower-body injury.

While CFM didn’t generate much offence in the half, the club at least was sound defensively. Rudy Camacho made a brilliant defensive play in the 39th, or Martinez would have been in the clear — although, in retrospect, the play was on the edge of being offside.

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Two minutes later, Mathieu Chonière broke up a dangerous threat. Chonière was making only his second appearance this season, including his first start.

Atlanta United enjoyed 64.1 per cent of the possession in the half, displaying its dominance. It outshot CFM 5-4, both teams generating one shot on target.

CF Montréal started the second half strong. In the 48th, Canadian defender Kamal Miller ended a long run by sending his shot off the top of the crossbar.

Three minutes later, Atlanta United appeared to open the scoring — Martinez sending a short pass to Emerson Hyndman, whose low shot eluded Diop. But the play was ruled offside.

Nancy, undoubtedly sensing some of his players had heavy legs, made numerous substitutions down the stretch.

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It began in the 65th, when Ahmed Hamdi entered the game for Johnsen. Five minutes later, Romell Quioto, who left on a stretch — likely from exhaustion — was replaced by Erik Hurtado, while Zorhan Bassong came on for Lassi Lappalainen.

Hamdi had an opportunity soon after entering, his shot from a sharp angle to the short side stopped by goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Chonière and Mihailovic were also replaced in the 79th.

CFM gets to catch its breath next week with it’s next game Saturday afternoon at FC Cincinnati.

hzurkowsky@postmedia.com

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