Atlanta United Knocks Out CF Montréal In PKs

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Post on Oct 23, 2024

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Atlanta United Survives a Scare, Takes Down CF Montréal in Penalty Kicks

Atlanta United is heading to the US Open Cup semifinals after a nail-biting penalty shootout victory over CF Montréal on Tuesday night. It wasn't pretty, but the Five Stripes managed to overcome a late deficit and a whole lot of drama to secure their spot in the next round.

The match itself was a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Both teams looked to control possession early on, but the first half was mostly marked by a lack of scoring opportunities. Things heated up in the second half, with both teams creating chances. Montréal, however, took the lead in the 66th minute through a beautiful free kick from Mathieu Choinière.

Atlanta responded quickly, though, equalizing just three minutes later on a goal from Thiago Almada. That goal sent the match to extra time, where neither side could find a winner.

Then came the dreaded penalty shootout. It's hard to call it a shootout, really, because it felt more like a heart attack. The shootout went back and forth, with each team trading goals. Finally, it came down to the final kick.

And guess what? Atlanta's Brooks Lennon nailed it.

A Tale of Two Halves

The match was a study in contrasts. The first half was a relatively boring affair, with neither team able to establish a real rhythm. The second half, though, was something else entirely. The intensity increased, the tackles became more fierce, and both teams really went for the win.

Ultimately, it was the Five Stripes who emerged victorious, even if it took a little extra time and a whole lot of nerves.

What's Next for Atlanta United?

The US Open Cup is now the only tournament left for Atlanta United this season. With the MLS regular season winding down and the playoffs looming, the team will be looking to make a deep run in the tournament. They'll be facing either the LA Galaxy or Real Salt Lake in the semifinals, and the winner of that match will face the winner of the other semifinal between the New York Red Bulls and Orlando City.

The team has shown a lot of fight throughout the Open Cup, and their victory over Montréal is a testament to their resilience. If they can maintain this momentum, they'll be a tough opponent for anyone in the tournament.