Montreal 2, Atlanta United 1: Player ratings

Atlanta United’s Kenwyne Jones (9) celebrates with teammates Miguel Almiron (10) and Greg Garza (4) after scoring during the first half of an MLS soccer game against the Montreal Impact, in Montreal, Saturday, April 15, 2017. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP)

Atlanta United’s Kenwyne Jones (9) celebrates with teammates Miguel Almiron (10) and Greg Garza (4) after scoring during the first half of an MLS soccer game against the Montreal Impact, in Montreal, Saturday, April 15, 2017. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP)

Player ratings for Atlanta United from Saturday's 2-1 loss at Montreal :

Goalkeeper Alec Kann, 7. Had three saves and couldn't be faulted for either of Montreal's goals. He guessed correctly on Ignacio Piatti's penalty kick, which was hit with too much force to be stopped.

Right fullback Mark Bloom, 7: Making his first start this season, Bloom looked nervous a few times, including once when getting spun around by Piatti early in the second half. He was fortunate in the 60th minute that the referee awarded a foul on Piatti after he used his shoulder to knock down Bloom and earn a one-on-one against Kann. Bloom was praised by manager Gerardo Martino after the game.

Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 6: The captain did his best to marshall the defense for a long, long second half of playing with 10 men.

Centerback Leandro Pirez, 5: Did he deserve to be called for a foul on Matteo Mancosu in stoppage time in the first half? Probably. Did Pirez deserve a red card? No way . It was a horrible call. He had two tackles and was one of the team's best passers before he was sent off.

Left fullback Greg Garza, 7: He had a huge tackle in the 70th minute to stop a potential goal-scoring chance for Montreal. He remains as active as ever up and down the pitch, finishing with a team-high 65 touches, but a passing accuracy of 68.6 percent.

Holding midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 6: As with Parkhurst, Larentowicz labored diligently in the second half to try to blunt Montreal's man advantage.

Midfielder Carlos Carmona, 7: His steal and pass to Villalba led to Atlanta United's first goal by Kenwyne Jones. He and Julian Gressel, Larentowicz and the subs were almost able to hold onto the valuable point.

Midfielder Julian Gressel, 6: He was subbed at halftime following the red card to Pirez and the need to bring on another central defender. He was credited with one scoring chance.

Left midfielder Miguel Almiron, 7: The lithe Paraguayan might still be running up and down the Stade Saputo pitch. The tackle he received in the first half from Victor Cabrera should have resulted in a red card. The skill he showed before that red card was sublime.

Right midfielder Hector Villalba, 7: Back on the right wing after starting the previous two games as striker, Villalba earned an assist on Atlanta United's first goal. He played 80 minutes and ran his legs off, especially in the second half when Atlanta United bunkered to preserve a point. He did switch off at one point in the second half and allowed the man he was supposed to be tracking to chase down a ball on Atlanta United's end line.

Striker Kenwyne Jones, 8: Making his first start this season, he scored his first goal and worked hard as a hold-up man. Martino was very pleased with his performance.

SUBS

Centerback Anton Walkes, 6: The Spurs loanee came on for the start of the second half following the red card to Pirez. It was his second bit of action this season.

Midfielder Kevin Kratz, 6: He made his first appearance this season, coming on for Jones in the 73rd minute.

Midfielder Chris McCann, 6: He came on in the 80th minute for Villalba.

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