MONTREAL (AP) — Atlanta United eliminated CF Montreal 5-4 in a penalty-kick shootout on Tuesday night in the opening game of the MLS Cup playoffs after the two clubs played to a 2-2 draw.
Atlanta won its second road playoff game in club history and the first since Nov. 4, 2018 at New York City FC. United will start a best-of-three series on Friday against Supporters’ Shield winner Miami, which is hosting a playoff game for the first time in club history.
Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan denied Tom Pearce on Montreal's second attempt in the shootout. .
Atlanta led 2-0 at halftime before former United star Josef MartÃnez scored two second-half goals to tie it.
Brooks Lennon scored his first goal of the season when he headed in a beautiful cross from Pedro Amador in the 29th minute. Atlanta defender Stian Gregersen made it 2-0 in the 44th by heading in Alexey Miranchuk's free kick.
MartÃnez pulled Montreal within 2-1 in the 63rd with an easy tap-in after Guzan spilled a long shot.
Montreal was awarded a penalty kick in the 87th and MartÃnez converted for his eighth goal in the last six games. MartÃnez and his former goalkeeper Guzan exchanged a few words after the goal.
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