Behind a goal from Hector Villalba and another from Jeff Larentowicz, Atlanta United picked up an important 2-0 win against Montreal but may have lost a key player in the team’s push for the MLS playoffs.
Miguel Almiron, arguably the team’s MVP, was forced to leave in the 17th minute with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. The team hasn’t released any details. He has nine goals and 13 assists this season.
Eleven minutes after Almiron was replaced by Julian Gressel, Villalba slammed a right-footed shot into the upper right corner to give the Five Stripes the only goal needed.
With the win, Atlanta United (14-8-7) needs just one more win to clinch one of the six playoffs spots in the Eastern Conference. They would become the first expansion team since Seattle in 2009 to advance to the postseason.
The team also moved from fifth place to third place with 49 points in the Eastern Conference. It trails second-place NYCFC by three points despite playing one fewer game.
Atlanta United will host Philadelphia on Wednesday. Atlanta United is 4-0-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium where it has scored 19 goals. Atlanta United is unbeaten in its past 11 home games and has compiled a 10-2-2 record at Bobby Dodd Stadium and Mercedes-Benz.
Villalba opened the scoring with a rocket of a shot in the 28th minute. The play started with Villalba stealing the ball from Patrice Bernier about 25 yards from goal. Dribbling to his right, Villalba put the ball between Deian Boldor’s legs, ran onto the ball and unleashed the shot. It was his 12th goal this season.
Larentowicz scored his first goal for Atlanta United this season when he chested in a cross from Julian Gressel in the 73rd minute.
