CF Montreal took advantage of a red card to score two goals late in the second half and snatch a 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew on Friday night at Saputo Stadium.
Thanks to a heroic comeback, CF Montreal (16-9-5) went undefeated in its last two games and secured its first appearance in the MLS playoffs since 2016.
After Luis Diaz was booked for kicking Kei Kamara’s leg in the 75th minute, the Montreal troops worked for a long time in the opposing zone.
Victor Wanyama first skillfully deflected a shot from Matko Miljevic into the back of the net in the 89th minute of play. The Bleu-blanc-noir continued to increase his pressure and during stoppage time, Zachary Brault-Guillard leveled the score, to the delight of the 19,619 spectators present.
Jonathan Mensah and Lucas Zelarayan hit the mark within two minutes of the second half, allowing the Crew (9-6-14) to remain undefeated in their last seven outings.
The Columbus team temporarily climbed to fifth place in the Eastern Conference, but ultimately remained in sixth place following the Montrealers’ two goals.
CF Montreal will return to action on Tuesday night when they host the Chicago Fire.
Two quick goals, twice
The Montrealers came under pressure from the Crew in the first 12 minutes of the game, but goalkeeper James Pantemis made some great saves.
Pantemis came through twice at the expense of Cucho Hernandez and then was quick to stop a deflected header from Mensah.
Wilfried Nancy’s men began to quietly find their comfort and in turn, they got some good chances to score. Mason Toye was in good position to open the scoring in the 24th minute, but his weak shot did not thwart Eloy Room.
In stoppage time in the first half, CF Montreal once again stormed the visitors’ penalty area, but defender William Sands saved the day by blocking a powerful strike from Djordje Mihailovic.
The Crew’s patience was rewarded in the 66th minute. Following a free kick, Steven Moreira placed a cross into the penalty area and Mensah jumped higher than Victor Wanyama to redirect the ball into the net.
Perhaps still a little shaken by this goal, the Bleu-blanc-noir lacked cohesion in his zone only two minutes later and the Crew took advantage of it. Zelarayan fired a first shot, blocked by Kamal Miller, but he was able to take his return before lodging the ball behind Pantemis.
CF Montreal was opened a door in the 75th minute, when Luis Diaz’s yellow card was transformed into red following a video replay.
Following a quick shot from Miljevic, Wanyama managed to lean over to deflect the ball with a header into the net. Entering the match in the 77th minute, Brault-Guillard then sowed hysteria at the Saputo stadium.