My ratings for Atlanta United's players from Saturday's 4-1 win against Montreal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 7: Not much he could do to stop Montreal’s goal. ... Crucial stop of a counter attack in the 52nd minute.
Right wingback Julian Gressel, 7: One of three players (Leandro Gonzalez Pires and Darlington Nagbe) who were culpable for Montreal’s opening goal. ... He admitted his crosses weren’t as sharp as in previous games. ... Created two chances and completed 92.1 percent of his passes.
Centerback Chris McCann, 7: Had a headed shot sail over the bar in the first half, but his header in the second half resulted in the penalty kick that tied the game. ... Other than that, not much to do. ... Led the team with 108 touches.
Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 7: Again, not much to do.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 7: Ditto.
Left wingback Greg Garza, 5: Other than getting into it with Chris Duvall a few times, not much to write about.
Holding midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 5: As with Garza, not much to write about because he didn’t have to do too much, which is why he was subbed off.
Midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 6: A much more quiet game than in the previous two.
Attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron, 8: Scored his fifth goal this season on a penalty kick in the 70th minute and added another a few minutes later. ... Very active through.
Striker Ezequiel Barco, 8: After a quiet first 30 minutes, he grew into the game and was a dribbling menace all over the field. ... Created six chances.
Striker Josef Martinez, 5: Not a good start. First, while bemoaning a missed chance, he didn’t notice that goalkeeper Evan Bush had spilled a shot that he may have gotten to. Second, he was flagged for offside on a free kick that negated a goal by Larentowicz. ... Montreal’s bunkering really robbed him of space. ... Had just 22 touches.
SUBS
Hector Villalba (on for Larentowicz, 46), 6: His first minutes since returning from a hamstring injury that forced him to the previous two games.
Kevin Kratz (on for Garza, 74th), 9: His free kick gave Atlanta United a 2-1 lead and his second goal on a free kick game the team a 4-1 lead.
Franco Escobar (on for Barco, 88th minute), NR: His return from a concussion injury that forced him to miss the past four games.
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