Bryce Duke scored his first goal in almost two months and CF Montreal shut out Nashville SC 1-0 on Wednesday night at Saputo Stadium.
Duke, who hadn’t scored since April 29 in Kansas City, got his second goal of the campaign to allow the Bleu-blanc-noir to sign the first victory in its history against Nashville SC (10-4-5 ), in their seventh meeting.
Beyond this first victory against the Tennessee team, CF Montreal (8-9-1) recorded a sixth consecutive shutout at home in MLS, which is an MLS record.
For goaltender Jonathan Sirois, it is his seventh shutout this season and his eighth in all competitions. He hasn’t allowed a goal since April 15 against DC United.
Nashville SC came to Montreal having not lost in their last ten outings (7-0-3), since April 15, against New York City FC.
The Montreal troupe was deprived of the services of defender Aaron Herrera, who was recalled by Guatemala for the Gold Cup.
CF Montreal will return to action on Saturday night, visiting Charlotte FC.
One is enough
Nashville SC are known for their defensive prowess, but Mathieu Choinière gave a first warning shot in the first minute of play. His left-footed shot, however, went around the far post.
The visitors managed a few breakthroughs in Montreal territory and the defenders had to be on the lookout. Gabriele Corbo and Victor Wanyama both snagged a rival, in the 13th and 19th minute respectively, to pick up a yellow card.
A few minutes after Ariel Lassiter missed an opportunity in the penalty area, CF Montreal took advantage of a good play to open the scoring.
Sunusi Ibrahim showed a great fighting spirit to recover the ball and he leaned in one-two with Mason Toye. After accepting Toye’s pass, Ibrahim handed the ball to Duke at the edge of the box, who stunned goalkeeper Joe Willis in the 28th minute.
The Bleu-blanc-noir could have doubled their lead only five minutes later, but this time Willis won in spectacular fashion at the expense of Lassiter, diving to his left.
Nashville SC started the second half with much more confidence and with a little more finishing, they could have taken control of this clash.
In the 47th minute, Shaquell Moore delivered a fine cross to Taylor Washington, but his deflected header went over the crossbar. Seconds later, Jacob Shaffelburg was left alone in the penalty area, but he sent the ball deep into the stands.
Washington got another great opportunity to score in the 51st minute, but Mathieu Choinière blocked his attempt following a very long defensive withdrawal.
CF Montreal rallied and stormed the final third as well, but when it wasn’t Willis stopping shots from Lassiter, Wanyama or Nathan Saliba, it was precision that was lacking.
Nevertheless, Hernan Losada’s troops managed to do the job defensively to confirm their shutout.