Atlanta United edges CF Montreal on penalties in MLS wild-card game [Video]

CF Montreal’s season came to a heartbreaking end with a 2-2 (5-4) penalty shootout loss to Atlanta United at Stade Saputo on Tuesday.

Brooks Lennon and Stian Gregersen scored for Atlanta, while Josef Martinez registered a brace for Montreal in their first playoff game since 2022.

“Penalties are still such a random thing,” said Montreal’s head coach Laurent Courtois. “But playing in front of the fans and giving them this show is very positive. There’s obviously a huge disappointment to lose like this, it’s cruel. When you look at the year as a whole and all the difficulties that we had to overcome and put in this performance, the staff and I are very happy.”

Montreal took control of the game early, dominating possession and working to break down a resolute Atlanta defence until the 29-minute mark when the visiting side opened the scoring against the run of play.

Taking …