CF Montreal nears elimination from playoff contention after 3-0 loss to Atlanta

MONTREAL – CF Montreal is one game away from being eliminated from playoff contention following a 3-0 loss to Atlanta United on Saturday night.

Miguel Almiron, Giuliano Galoppo and Breel Embolo all scored for Atlanta (8-15-6) as Montreal (6-17-6) is on pace to overtake last season’s effort as the worst campaign in club history.

After an early scare that required a desperate block from Jalen Neal, Montreal quickly established control over the game, but struggled to breakthrough into the final third.

As Atlanta grew back into the game, they opened the scoring with their very first venture forward. Almiron was left alone at the top of the penalty area, arriving at the end of a broken play and was able to sneak the ball past goalkeeper Sebastian Breza, who reacted late, sending a low shot off the right post and into the net.

Things went from bad to worse for the hosts just minutes before halftime. After a set piece that was unable to be cleared on three occasions, Galoppo pounced on a loose ball from the doorstep and doubled the visitors’ lead.

At the hour mark, more discord in the Montreal penalty area led to Atlanta’s third goal of the evening. A failed clearance followed by a rebound that was not cleared meant that it was Embolo’s turn to get on the scoresheet from just a few feet away, cementing the lamentable outing for Montreal.

Following the goal, Atlanta were able to go into cruise control and manage their opponents. United looked more likely to add a fourth than Montreal were to open their account.

Substitute Olger Escobar had the team’s best look at a consolation goal after two minutes of stoppage time, but it was turned away by the crossbar.

UP NEXT

Montreal: Will travel to Seattle to face the Sounders on Saturday.

Atlanta: Will host Lionel Messi and Inter Miami on Saturday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2026.