BAY LAKE – Needing a win to stay in the MLS is Back tournament Atlanta United couldn’t get it done, falling to a 1-0 loss to Columbus Crew SC on Tuesday night.
The lone goal of the match came thanks to a slight deflection on Youness Mokhtar’s shot. His effort was well hit from just inside the box, but the deflection took it away from the keeper and gave Columbus the lead. Completing a 19-pass play to get into the position after tearing Atlanta apart.
It was no less than the Crew deserved, having gained control of the match early, Atlanta just never looked in the contest.
The best chances for ATL came in the final stages, but by then it was far too little far too late, Pity Martinez putting his free-kick wide.
With a chance to clinch top spot in the group Toronto FC and the New England Revolution couldn’t capitalize, settling for a scoreless draw in the first match of the day.
The best chance came in the 80th minute when Toronto’s Ayo Akinola was played through and running on goal, only to be denied by a spectacular Matt Turner save. Akinola was also involved in some late controversy as he drew a foul and the referee pointed to the spot. The decision was switched to a free-kick after a video review determined the foul was outside the box, and TFC couldn’t capitalize.
The Revs had their best chance earlier in the second half. Brandon Bye sent a low cross into Adam Buksa who was in the six-yard box. But again excellent goalkeeping kept it scoreless as Alex Bono got to the play and made the save.
Unlike Atlanta, Montreal Impact got the win it needed to stay alive, managing a 1-0 win over DC United in the nightcap.
The impact started the match well looking to control possession from the opening stages and take it to DC, waiting for the right time to strike.
That time was the 31st minute when a short corner ended up played out to Saphir Taider who hit a powerful shot from 30 yards. The ball deflected off of Frederic Brillant and past Bill Hamid.
In the second half DC United was determined to find an equalizer but some stunning goalkeeping from Clement Diop kept his side in front.
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There was one golden chance for Max Urruti to seal the win in the 68th minute, but he sent his effort wide. Luckily it didn’t matter, and Montreal advanced.
With the results today, DC United, Montreal, and Atlanta are eliminated. The first match-up from the knockout stages was set. Philadelphia Union will face the New England Revolution on Saturday night’s late game.
PHOTO COURTESY: Devin L’Amoreaux and Matthew Stith
Florida Soccer Report 