My ratings for Atlanta United’s players from Sunday’s 2-0 wun against Montreal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 7: Big stop in the 72nd minute to deny the tying goal. ... Guzan had to make just two saves in the game.
Right fullback Anton Walkes, 7: Handled Ignacio Piatti very well, holding the 17-goal scorer to zero shots. ... Also notched three tackles.
Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 7: Another subtly effective performance by the team captain, who cut out long balls, chased down runners, and cut out passing lanes. ... Helped the team post its ninth shutout this season and fourth in past five games.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 7: Huge block of a shot on a breakaway in the 42nd minute. ... Another big breakup in the 50th minute to stop a potential shot on goal. ... Should be considered for MLS Best 11 this season.
Left fullback Chris McCann, 7: Earned a free kick early in the first half. ... Was very involved in the offense throughout the game. ... Created two chances and tied for the team lead with four tackles. ... Back this summer when he wasn't playing much, I said on several radio shows that I thought McCann would impact the season. I didn't think it would be at left back, but he's holding down the spot until Greg Garza returns, which could be Wednesday against Philadelphia.
Holding midfielder Carlos Carmona, 8: Picked up his second assist this season on Hector Villalba's goal. ... Created three chances, completed 86.2 percent of his passes, had four tackles and won two fouls. An outstanding showing.
Holding midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 7: Scored his first goal for Atlanta United, and the second of the game, on a chested shot in the 74th minute. ... Created two chances, completed 93.2 percent of his passes and had two tackles.
Right midfielder Hector Villalba, 8: Blew by Deian Boldor time and time again in the first half. ... Was rewarded for tireless play with an unbelievable run, shot and goal in the 28th minute. Left after 77 minutes, but worked hard throughout the game.
Attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron, NR: Left the game in the 17th minute.
Left midfielder Yamil Asad, 6: Compared to the last game in which he had two goals and two assists, this was very quiet. Didn't create a chance or have a tackle.
Striker Josef Martinez, 7: Worked hard to score his 18th goal, but it just didn't hapen. ... Finished with four shots. ... Trails new league-leader Diego Valeri by three goals in race for league lead.
SUBS
Julian Gressel (on for Almiron, 17th minute), 7: Picked up an assist on Larentowicz's goal. That's Gressel's eighth assist, second most among rookies in MLS history.
Kevin Kratz (on for Villalba, 77th minute), NR.
Kenwyne Jones (on for Martinez, 89th minute), NR: He made his first appearance since June 3 at Vancouver.
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