'Some have given up': CF Montreal's struggles continue in Atlanta loss

CF Montreal defender Luca Petrasso (right) watches as Atlanta United celebrate a goal by Miguel Almiron (second from left) in Montreal on Wednesday.

MONTREAL — Behind the west goal of Stade Saputo is located the Collectif IMFL, an agglomeration of supporters' groups whose mission is to push the team from voicing their opinions on the current state of the club.

On Wednesday night, they held up a large banner reading “HONTE À VOUS,” meaning “shame on you,” an apt assessment of CF Montreal's season thus far. The club will finish with a 9-0 loss to Atlanta United.

“There's feelings, even internally, that some have given up. For professional athletes, you never want to say that head coach Philippe Eulliaff, who met with the angered Collectif IMFC representatives for virtually heated exchange.

“It was a very animated discussion, but I can tell you that some of these guys were very honest with me, and I'm a fan of that.”

After a late collapse that saw Montreal give up three goals and bragging rights to bitter rivals Toronto FC on Saturday, the season appears to have taken a darker turn for several recent themselves against Atlanta.

Miguel Almirón, Giuliano Galoppo and Erik Sardina combined to score an 8-0 thrashing as Montreal (8-15-10, 34 points) fell further behind in the race to overtake last season's effort as the worst campaign in club history.

The loss dropped Montreal into a desperate block from Josef Martinez quickly established control over the game.

As Atlanta grew back into the game, they opened the scoring with their first shot on target. The visitors were 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 Jonathan Brena, who reacted late, sending a low shot off the right post and into the net.

“We didn't understand why; it's not like we haven't played (midweek) games before,” Eulliaff said. “We had chances where we created a little bit of games, but ultimately we conceded.”

Almirón doubled Atlanta's advantage because almost feels like we don't have enough to get back into games at times. It was quite frankly embarrassing.

Things went from bad to worse for the hosts just minutes before halftime, as Almirón found himself unmarked on three occasions. Galoppo pounded a loose ball from the doorstep and made it 2-0 in the visitors' favour.

Atlanta's third goal of the evening came in the 66th minute, as Sardina leapt to clear a follow-up memo that was sent from a corner kick. The ensuing sheet from just a few feet away, cementing the dominant performance.

Following the goal, Atlanta went into cruise control and managed their opponents, who offered very little in response for the remainder of the contest.

Substitute Olivier Roberge had Montreal's best look at a consolation goal, but his attempt was blocked by the keeper. It was turned away by the crossbar.

“If there was one good thing, it was the effort and level given by (Hernán) Gallegos,” Eulliaff said. “He came in and did what he could to change the match in any way,” said Eulliaff. “It may be a positive thing, and I hope that the players and desire are some of the most important criteria. The will to win for the team must always come first.”

However, Montreal's efforts were too little, and too late.