Saba Time on Saturday night was a sight to behold.
Atlanta United's number 11 had his breakout on the 2026 season in the club's 3-1 win over CF Montréal. His brace was instrumental, the first and final goals for the 5-Stripes on the evening to earn a needed three points at home.
Lobjanidze's performance earned him a spot in MLS' Team of the Matchday 11, the third placement in the squad for Atlanta United this season after Tomás Jacob and Miguel Almirón made the Matchday 4 team. Alexey Miranchuk was also named to the bench for Matchday 11.
The first strike, the equalizer in the 41st minute, was the beginning of a dominant last 15 minutes of play in the first half. Saba's positioning was the difference maker, as he found room in the half space between Montréal's center back and right back, cutting inside with a fake shot. His real shot was low, and though Montréal's keeper got a hand to it, the strike was powerful enough to sneak over the goalline.
It just so happens that the last few minutes of the first half are where Saba has shined in his time with Atlanta United. Of his 17 career goals for the 5-Stripes in all competitions, 6 of them have been scored in the final 10 minutes of the first half.
Saba's second, the team's third of the match, was almost right out of the halftime break as well. After Cooper Sanchez won the ball back in a good area, he found Lobjanidze with room on the left side. This time, he put his left foot through the ball, past the diving keeper and into the net, a thumping finish that made the match 3-1.
Miranchuk's run of form continued Saturday night as well, picking up two assists on the first two goals that catapulted the 5-Stripes ahead late in the first half. Miranchuk's spot on the bench is his second of the 2026 season, and he leads the 5-Stripes with 8 goal contributions in all competitions.
