My ratings for Atlanta United's players from Saturday's 2-1 win against Montreal at Saputo Stadium:
Goakeeper Brad Guzan, 8: Several tough saves of low, hard shots. ... Finished with six saves. ... Wasn’t happy with team’s lack of intensity after they scored the second goal. ... Said Ignacio Piatti beat him for pace on the goal. ...
Right fullback Franco Escobar, 7: Gave Ignacio Piatti too much space in the 10th minute to put in a good cross...Fouled him one second later to give Montreal a dangerous free kick. ... Given a yellow after yet another foul of Piatti in the 23rd minute. ... Made up for those mistakes with a tough run down the pitch that resulted in Josef Martinez’s second goal. ... Martino said the run Escobar made is something they want to see more of as he gains confidence. ... Finished with four tackles.
Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 8: Fantastic pass to Martinez in the 28th minute to spring a counterattack. ... Suffered what appears to be an ankle injury when he was stepped on a few minutes later. Came back into the game. ... Picked up a yellow in 77th minute after getting tangled with a Montreal player while both chased an over-the-top pass. ... Cleared cross after cross all night. ...
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 7: Spent a bit of time arguing with the officials about the lack of offside calls, but still won three fouls and one tackle. .. Cleared a few of Montreal’s five corner kicks.
Left fullback Chris McCann, 7.5: Finished with three tackles one chance created on offense. ... Tidy with his passes. ... Worked well with Hector Villalba to handle defensive responsibilities.
Holding midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 8: Tied with Eric Remedi with a team-high seven tackles, and also completed almost 94 percent of his passes. ... Strong, strong showing.
Holding midfielder Eric Remedi, 8: Making his first start, he struggled with the accuracy of his passes early. ... Made a tough tackle to open the second half, then missed a couple of tackles. ... Still, finished with seven tackles and showed an ability to dribble out of danger.
Attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron, 6: Hit the long pass that Villalba chased down on the first goal for his 11th assist . ... Other than that, a second consecutive quiet game for the influential midfielder.
Right midfielder Julian Gressel, 7: Playing on the right, his pass led to Martinez’s second goal. ... Missed a couple of tackles on defense, but three shots on target on offense. ... Not as tidy with his passes as is typical.
Left midfielder Hector Villalba, 8: Picked up his sixth assist on Josef Martinez’s first goal. ... A dribbling machine throughout the night, showing an imagination and touch that wasn’t consistently evident last season. ...
Striker Josef Martinez, 8.5: Scored his league-leading 23rd goal to give Atlanta United a 1-0 lead with a very intelligent decision to not make a run. ... Gave Atlanta United a 2-0 lead in the 57th minute. ... Finished with three shots on target and two chances created.
SUBS
Brandon Vazquez (on for Martinez, 83rd minute), NR.
Kevin Kratz (on for Villalba, injury time), NR.
