Major League Soccer
CF Montreal edges Columbus Crew 2-1 with late winner at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field
Cameron's own goal and late strike lift Montreal to victory in Regular Season clash
CF Montreal secured a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in a tightly contested Regular Season match. The result leaves both sides level on 20 points in the Eastern Conference, with Montreal sitting 14th and Columbus 12th after 20 games apiece.
The visitors got off to a dream start in the fifth minute when P. Owusu finished off a precise through ball from G. Synchuk to put CF Montreal ahead. The goal set the tone early, with the Montreal attack looking sharp against a Columbus side employing a 4-4-2 under coach Laurent Courtois.
Columbus answered before the half-hour mark when T. Gillier inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 20th minute, leveling the scoreline and shifting momentum. The own goal came despite an assist being recorded for the build-up, and it gave the home crowd hope.
The first half ended 1-1, with referee M. Badawi keeping play moving despite a handful of early bookings. R. Camacho picked up a yellow card for Columbus in the third minute, while B. Vera was cautioned for Montreal in the 13th.
After the break, A. Gomes added another yellow for the Crew in the 34th minute before J. Neal and B. Ceballos were both booked for the visitors. The disciplined approach from both sides kept the contest tight through the middle period.
With the game looking destined for a draw, CF Montreal struck again in the 78th minute. N. Streit capitalized on a well-weighted pass from B. Vera to restore the lead, sending the traveling supporters into raptures.
Columbus pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but M. Longstaff's late yellow card in the 89th minute symbolized their growing frustration. Despite late pressure, the Crew could not find a way through a resolute Montreal defense operating in their 4-3-3 system.
The win ensures CF Montreal remain just above the playoff cutoff line, while Columbus must regroup quickly to close the gap in the Eastern Conference race.