Atlanta United FC eliminated CF Montréal 5-4 in a penalty shootout Tuesday night in the opening match of the MLS Cup playoffs after the two clubs tied 2-2.
Atlanta won its second road playoff game in club history and first since November 4, 2018 at New York City FC.
United will begin a best-of-three series on Friday against Supporters' Shield winner Inter Miami CF, who will host 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. Saba Lobjanidze sealed the victory for United.
Atlanta led 2-0 at halftime before former United star Josef Martinez scored two goals in the second half to tie the score.
Brooks Lennon scored his first goal of the season when he headed in a nice cross from Pedro Amador in the 29th minute. Atlanta defender Stian Gregersen made it 2-0 in the 44th when he headed in a free kick from Alexey Miranchuk.
Martínez pulled Montreal within 2-1 in the 63rd with an easy tap-in after Guzan missed a long shot.
Montreal was awarded a penalty in the 87th and Martínez converted for his eighth goal in the last six games. Martínez and his former goalkeeper Guzan exchanged a few words after the goal.
