In their second game without Josef Martinez, Atlanta United welcomed a familiar face back into the starting lineup: Michael Parkhurst.
The veteran center back, who announced his plans to retire at the end of the season earlier this week, got his first start for the club since July 17. Atlanta took a second half lead against the Montreal Impact, but couldn't hold onto all three points, conceding an equalizer in the 81st minute and tied Montreal 1-1, a result that pushed them down to third place in the East, albeit only on the total wins tiebreaker.
“We are disappointed that we tied the game," Parkhurst said. "It’s a game we should have won and coming into the game, we wanted to win. It’s a better performance on the road than the last one. Montreal are a good team, it’s challenging to come up here and play.”
“They had chances and they could have scored one, but I think we could have scored more," head coach Frank de Boer added.
Parkhurst lasted 82 minutes in his return to the field as he exited with cramps.
“I was pleased with the performance, but I am disappointed that I couldn’t finish the game," Parkhurst said. "I just got tired and my legs cramped up a little bit and I couldn’t let go of it. I had to come off. It felt good to be back out there.”
The result leaves Atlanta tied on points with the Philadelphia Union for second place in the Eastern Conference heading into Decision Day presented by AT&T, with Philly holding the upper hand having won 17 games to Atlanta's 16. Atlanta host the New England Revolution (4 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+, DAZN) while the Union host NYCFC (4 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+, DAZN).
