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Despite the win CF Montreal head coach Laurent Courtois expressed disappointment over missed opportunities and lapses in collective management.
Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama was in action for CF Montreal Impact as he captained the Major League Soccer side to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Atlanta United FC on Sunday morning.
The match at Saputo Stadium saw Montreal secure the crucial victory thanks to a decisive goal by Brazilian wingback Ruan.
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Montreal's moment of glory came in the 51st minute when Ruan who had been a constant threat down the right flank latched onto a loose ball and fired it into the net, giving the home side a much-deserved lead.
The goal was the culmination of sustained pressure from Montreal who dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the game.
The match took a significant turn in the 55th minute when Atlanta's Stian Gregersen was shown a red card following his second yellow of the night, both offenses drawn by the relentless Ruan.
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Montreal started the match on the front foot with Ruan swinging a dangerous ball into the box in the second minute which nearly found the foot of Kwadwo Opoku.
The early pressure set the tone for the rest of the game, as Montreal controlled the ball and patiently searched for openings.
In the 20th minute Ariel Lassiter cut in from the left flank for a low strike but Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan was equal to the task.
One of Montreal's best chances in the first half came in the 33rd minute when Raheem Edwards twisted and turned on the left side of the box, creating space for a shot towards the top corner but the goalkeeper made a solid save to keep the score level.
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In the second half, Montreal's inability to capitalize on their numerical advantage nearly cost them.
Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, they couldn't find the second goal to put the game out of Atlanta's reach.
Substitute Mason Toye laid a pass to a wide-open Josef Martinez in the 75th minute but Guzan made a spectacular save to deny the Venezuelan striker.
In the closing stages, substitute Jules-Anthony Vilsaint created a couple of golden opportunities. First, he beat his defender down the left flank but saw his effort saved by Guzan and then in the dying minutes he set up Toye for a powerful shot that Guzan tipped over the bar.
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Despite their struggles to extend the lead Montreal's defense, marshaled by captain Wanyama, held firm to secure the win.
After the match, Montreal head coach Laurent Courtois expressed his frustration despite the victory.
"The truth is, it hurts tonight, I am really disappointed. For us to give Atlanta the opportunity to hurt us, that's unacceptable — in terms of collective management and especially in the ego of some of us who forgot what point in the match we were in, what point in the season we are in," Courtois said.
Montreal will look to build on this victory when they visit the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday.
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