Montreal Edge Past Columbus in MLS Thriller
Columbus Crew hosted Montreal Impact at Scottdale Miracle-Gro Field on Wednesday evening, and the visitors took all three points with a 2-1 victory. It was a match that seemed to belong to the hosts for long stretches, but Montreal's efficiency proved decisive. By then, the visitors had already shown they were not here to make up the numbers.
P. Owusu opened the scoring in the fifth minute, giving Montreal an early advantage. The hosts responded with pressure, and T. Gillier's own goal in the 20th minute doubled their lead. That's when the game shifted — and here's the thing, Columbus never quite recovered their composure after conceding again so soon.
Montreal tightened things up and N. Streit added the third goal in the 78th minute after coming on as a substitute. Three substitutions for Columbus in the 56th minute — M. Farsi, C. Adams, G. Synchuk — suggested urgency, but they never got going. The hosts pulled off several changes, including J. Neal and F. Herbers in the 68th, yet could only find one goal to show for their efforts.
The statistics tell a story you'd expect: Columbus enjoyed 62 per cent possession but created just one big chance with an expected goals total of 0.31. Montreal, with 38 per cent possession, registered 1.52 expected goals and seven shots on target. Shots accuracy tells you everything — 33 per cent for the hosts versus 54 per cent for the visitors. The hosts dominated territory but gave up the ball and hit them on the break.
Both sides finished level on yellow cards, with Columbus collecting two and Montreal four, though Montreal had more blocked shots and clearances. The hosts logged 123 attacks compared to Montreal's 77, but territory does not equal results. Columbus remain 15th with 22 points, while Montreal sit 14th with 21 points — a narrow gap that means either side could climb.
What matters most is momentum. Montreal come off a 1-1 draw with DC United and now add a win to their recent record. Columbus lost 3-1 to Charlotte last time out, and this defeat extends a difficult run. The visitors have one foot in improving their position, while the hosts must find a way to turn possession into something more meaningful.
