CF Montréal claimed a hard-earned 2-1 MLS victory over Columbus Crew at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on Wednesday night, with Noah Streit’s 78th-minute goal settling a tightly contested fixture.
Montréal made an assertive start and were ahead inside five minutes. Prince Owusu found the net in the 5th minute to give the visitors an early advantage, rewarding a bright opening in which they looked threatening whenever they moved forward.
Columbus responded and drew level in the 20th minute, albeit in unusual circumstances, when Montréal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier turned the ball into his own net. The sides went into the interval level at 1-1, with the Crew enjoying more of the ball but Montréal carrying a sharper edge in the final third.
The home side finished with 61.8 percent possession and won five corners, but struggled to turn territorial control into clear opportunities. Columbus registered six shots and only two on target, while Montréal were far more productive with 14 attempts, seven of them on target.
That attacking pressure told again in the 78th minute. Noah Streit scored Montréal’s second goal of the night, restoring the visitors’ lead and giving them a result to protect through the closing stages. Montréal saw out the final minutes to secure all three points despite Columbus pushing for another equalizer.
Owusu’s 5th-minute opener and Streit’s 78th-minute winner were the defining moments for Montréal, while Gillier’s 20th-minute own goal briefly gave the Crew a route back into the match. The result leaves both clubs with identical 5-5-10 overall records.
Columbus Crew return to action on Saturday against Nashville SC, while CF Montréal face LA Galaxy in their next MLS fixture.
