CF Montreal
Columbus Crew crushed CF Montreal’s playoff ambitions with a ruthless 2-0 victory in Major League Soccer’s Regular Season – Round 26, leaving the Quebecois side’s postseason dreams in tatters. The Crew, clinical and composed, struck twice in the second half through Mohamed Farsi and Brais Méndez to silence a packed Saputo Stadium.
CF Montreal’s Frustration Grows Early
The tension was palpable from the first whistle. CF Montreal’s Brayan Ceballos earned a yellow card just two minutes in, setting the tone for a scrappy opening. The home side dominated possession at 54% but struggled to break down Columbus’s compact defensive shape. Montreal managed eight total shots, with five blocked by Crew defenders, while their expected goals of just 0.44 told the story of their blunt attacking edge.
Columbus Crew’s Clinical Edge
Columbus, meanwhile, bided their time. Despite having only 46% possession, they were lethal on the break. Farsi broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, slotting home after a slick assist from Sean Zawadzki. Just 11 minutes later, Méndez doubled the lead with a precise finish that left goalkeeper Sebastian Breza rooted.
Montreal’s Hopes Dashed
Prince Owusu thought he had pulled one back on the hour mark, only for VAR to rule it out for offside. Montreal’s frustration boiled over as Samuel Piette picked up a late yellow card. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t breach Columbus’s defense, mustering just two shots on target all game.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Columbus Crew, this victory consolidates their playoff push, showcasing their efficiency and defensive solidity. CF Montreal, on the other hand, face an uphill battle to salvage their season. With their attack misfiring and their playoff hopes fading, the pressure mounts on Philippe Eullaffroy’s side. The Crew march on, while Montreal must regroup quickly or risk their campaign unraveling entirely.
Key Moments
57′ ⚽ Columbus Crew — M. Farsi (assist: S. Zawadzki)
68′ ⚽ Columbus Crew — B. Mendez
