Columbus Crew delivered a clinical second-half performance at Stade Saputo on Saturday, defeating CF Montréal 2-0 in Major League Soccer.
After a goalless opening 45 minutes, the Crew found the decisive edge through Mohamed Farsi in the 57th minute. The visitors then doubled their advantage 11 minutes later when Brais Méndez bent in a free-kick in the 68th minute, putting the fixture beyond Montréal’s reach.
Second-half quality settles the match
Montréal had more of the ball, finishing with 54.6 per cent possession, and won five corners to Columbus’ one. But the home side could not turn that territorial advantage into a breakthrough, registering just two shots on target from nine attempts.
Columbus were more threatening in the decisive areas, producing 13 shots and three efforts on target. Farsi’s 57th-minute goal gave the Crew the platform they needed, while Méndez’s superb set-piece 11 minutes later provided the finishing touch.
The first half was tightly contested and ended 0-0. Brayan Ceballos was booked for Montréal in the second minute, while Columbus defender Steven Moreira saw yellow in the 32nd minute. Montréal captain Samuel Piette was also cautioned in the 84th minute as the hosts searched unsuccessfully for a route back into the match.
What comes next
The defeat leaves CF Montréal looking to respond when FC Cincinnati visit on Saturday, September 26. Columbus Crew will carry the momentum of this away victory into their next fixture against Inter Miami CF on Sunday, September 27.
