CF Montreal fans shame team after 3-0 loss to Atlanta United

Explainer

CF Montreal supporters held up a large sign reading "HONTE À VOUS," or "Shame on you," after a 3-0 home loss to Atlanta United on Wednesday night.

"There’s a feeling, even internally, that some have given up. For professional athletes, giving up on a competition is unacceptable," said Montreal head coach Philippe Eullafroy.

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He met with the angered supporters' group Collectif IMFC after the game for a visibly heated exchange.

"It was a very animated discussion, but not in the negative sense; it was very passionate. At my core, I’m an ultra, and I’m a fan of this club," Eullafroy said.

How did the game unfold?

Miguel Almiron, Giuliano Galoppo and Breel Embolo all scored for Atlanta (8-15-6).

Montreal (6-17-6) is on pace to overtake last season’s effort as the worst campaign in club history.

After an early scare that required a desperate block from Jalen Neal, Montreal quickly established control over the game, but struggled to break through into the final third.

As Atlanta grew back into the game, they opened the scoring with their very first venture forward.

Almiron was 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 Sebastian Breza, who reacted late, sending a low shot off the right post and into the net.

"We came out flat, and honestly I don’t understand why; it’s not like we haven’t played (midweek games) before," said defender Brendan Craig.

"We had an OK stretch of the game where we created a little bit of chances, but ultimately we conceded."

Things went from bad to worse for the hosts just minutes before halftime.

After a set piece that was not cleared on three occasions, Galoppo pounced on a loose ball from the doorstep and doubled the visitors’ lead.

At the hour mark, more discord in the Montreal penalty area led to Atlanta’s third goal of the evening.

A failed clearance followed by a rebound that was not cleared meant that it was Embolo’s turn to get on the scoresheet from just a few feet away, cementing the lamentable outing for Montreal.

Following the goal, Atlanta went into cruise control and managed their opponents, as Montreal did very little in the way of fighting back.

Substitute Olger Escobar had Montreal’s best look at a consolation goal after two minutes of stoppage time, but it was turned away by the crossbar.

What did the players and coach say?

Defender Brendan Craig called the performance embarrassing.

"It’s tough when we conceded because it almost feels like we don’t have enough to get back into games at times. Today was quite frankly embarrassing," Craig said.

Coach Eullafroy pointed to a lack of willpower.

"Willpower and desire are some of the most important criteria. The will to win for the team and for the club," he said.

He singled out two substitutes for their effort.

"If there was one good thing, it was the effort and level given by (Hennadiy) Synchuk and Escobar, who came in and did what they could to change the match in any way," Eullafroy said.

"I may be a bit naïve, but I’ll believe until the end."

What is the context for this loss?

The defeat came after a late collapse that saw Montreal throw away three points and bragging rights to bitter rivals Toronto FC on Saturday.

The season appears to have taken a darker turn, a sentiment clearly reflected in how Montreal carried themselves against Atlanta.

The Collectif IMFC, an agglomeration of supporters’ groups located behind the west goal of Stade Saputo, has never shied away from voicing its opinions on the state of the club.

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

What is the team's current record?

With the loss, Montreal's record fell to 6 wins, 17 losses and 6 draws.

Atlanta United improved to 8 wins, 15 losses and 6 draws.

The loss puts Montreal on pace to have a worse season than the previous year, which is currently the worst campaign in club history.

With files from The Canadian Press, Sportsnet and TSN