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Kevin Kratz's jaw-dropping free kicks help Atlanta United extend unbeaten streak

After trailing much of the game, Atlanta United came to life in the final minutes to put Montreal away.
Credit: Dale Zanine
Apr 28, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; General view of fans prior to the game between the Atlanta United against the Montreal Impact at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

ATLANTA -- Atlanta United are on top of the eastern table, at least for the time being.

Kevin Kratz's two goals off free kicks and a pair of goals from Miguel Almiron helped Atlanta United FC rally against the Montreal Impact and win 4-1. The Five Stripes' unbeated streak continues to seven games.

Saphir Taider's header opened the scoring in the 13th minute, and Atlanta United trailed for 57 minutes. It was a chippy match that featured seven yellow cards. One of those cards was on Chris Duvall who swatted at the ball in the box while defending a shot. That set up a penalty kick for Miguel Almiron, who snuck it past Evan Bush, the MLS leader in saves.

Eight minutes later, Kratz took a free kick just outside of the box. It bent around the wall of defenders and flew into the back of the net for the go-ahead goal.

After Almiron's goal in the 84th minute assisted by Josef Martinez, Kratz had a nearly identical free kick during stoppage time to seal the victory. It's the third time this season Atlanta United has defeated a team with a goal differential of three or greater.

It was Kratz's first goals of the season. The 32-year-old German had one goal in the Five Stripes' inaugural season last year.

Atlanta United sits on top of the eastern table with 19 points. They pass NYCFC for now, who doesn't play until Sunday at 6:30 p.m. With a win, NYC would retake the top spot.

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