Atlanta United Set to Face CF Montréal in Eastern Conference Wild Card Showdown

Atlanta United will travel to Stade Saputo on Tuesday to take on CF Montréal in the Eastern Conference Wild Card match, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The high-stakes clash will determine which team advances to the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One, where Inter Miami CF awaits in a Best-of-3 series. Fans can catch the game for free on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, or listen live to radio broadcasts on 92.9 The Game and La Mejor.

Head-to-Head History

Atlanta United holds a slight advantage over CF Montréal with a 7-5-3 all-time record in MLS play. At home, Atlanta has been dominant with a 5-1-1 record, while results on the road have been less favorable, as they are 2-4-2 in Montréal. This will be the third time the teams meet in 2024, with Montréal winning both previous matchups by narrow margins.

Atlanta’s Playoff Experience

This Wild Card game will mark Atlanta’s 14th playoff appearance in club history, boasting a 7-5-1 postseason record. One of the team’s most memorable playoff victories came on the road in 2018 when they defeated NYCFC 1-0 at Yankee Stadium en route to winning the MLS Cup. Atlanta will be looking to replicate that kind of road success against Montréal.

Playoff Path

Atlanta United clinched the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference after a dramatic Decision Day. The team secured a 2-1 victory over rivals Orlando City, combined with losses by D.C. United and Philadelphia Union, allowing them to sneak into the Wild Card. CF Montréal earned the No. 8 seed with a 43-point finish, solidifying their home-field advantage in the Wild Card game after defeating NYCFC on Decision Day.

Key Players to Watch

Saba Lobjanidze has been a key contributor for Atlanta this season, leading the team with nine goals after netting in the win against Orlando. His nine goals set a new personal best in a single MLS season, while his eight assists brought his goal contributions to a team-leading 17. Lobjanidze’s form will be crucial if Atlanta is to break down Montréal’s defense and advance in the playoffs.

Atlanta United will need to channel their postseason experience and strong finish to the regular season if they hope to keep their MLS Cup dreams alive against a Montréal side that has already proven to be a tough opponent this year.