Ruan’s goal on a header in the 51st minute gave host CF Montreal a 1-0 win over Atlanta United on Saturday night.
The goal, Ruan’s second of the season, came off a cross by Raheem Edwards, his fourth assist of the season.
Montreal (6-9-8, 26 points) enjoyed a one-man advantage for most of the second half after Atlanta defender Stian Gregersen received a second yellow card in the 55th minute for pushing Ruan over in a contested midfield run.
Gregersen’s first yellow card came in the 38th minute yellow card for using his studs in a late tackle on Ariel Lassiter.
Atlanta (6-11-6, 24 points) increased its offensive pressure following Ruan’s goal.
The visitors had two dangerous headed attempts in the box that required defensive stops by Montreal before Gregersen was sent off. Midfielder Victor Wanyama and defender George Campbell made the stops in front of Jonathan Sirois, who didn’t have a save in the victory.
Montreal had seven shots on goal to none for Atlanta.
After going down a man, Atlanta adjusted and found more opportunities at goal, but that left the field open for the Montreal counterattack.
Montreal turned defense into opportunities on goal. In the 75th minute, former Atlanta star Josef Martinez had a chance to give the home team a second goal, but Brad Guzan made the close-range save.
In the 88th minute, Guzan made another clutch save, keeping Atlanta in the match. He made six overall.
Martinez’ reunion against his former Atlanta teammates featured a close attempt on goal in the first half. On a set piece, Martinez got on the end of the shot taken at the top of the 18-yard box. Martinez sent a curling shot toward the top right corner, narrowly missing the post in a scoreless first half.
Montreal won for just the third time in its last 16 matches (3-6-7).
–Field Level Media
