COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew's recent struggles continued Wednesday night as CF Montréal capitalized on its opportunities and left Lower.com Field with a 2-1 victory.
Prince Owusu opened the scoring early before Noah Streit netted the match-winner in the 78th minute, helping Montréal snap an eight-match winless streak and earn its first victory over Columbus since 2022.
Montréal wasted little time taking the lead. Owusu found the back of the net in the fifth minute, putting the Crew on the back foot almost immediately. Columbus responded 15 minutes later in unusual fashion when pressure inside the penalty area forced an own goal by Montréal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier, drawing the Crew level at 1-1.
The remainder of the first half was evenly played, but Columbus struggled to create sustained pressure after the break. Although the Crew finished with more than 62 percent possession, Montréal generated the better scoring chances and consistently tested goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.
The decisive moment came in the 78th minute.
Streit carried the ball out of Montréal's defensive end before unleashing a long-range strike that beat Schulte and tucked into the upper corner for his first MLS goal. The spectacular effort restored the visitors' lead and ultimately proved to be the difference.
Columbus pushed numbers forward during the closing minutes and nearly salvaged a point in stoppage time. Sean Zawadzki's close-range attempt was cleared off the goal line by Montréal defender Brandan Craig, preserving the visitors' lead through the final whistle.
The defeat marked the Crew's second consecutive MLS loss after returning from Leagues Cup play. While Columbus again controlled possession for long stretches, the club was unable to convert that advantage into quality scoring opportunities, finishing with just two shots on target.
What's Next: The Crew conclude a busy week Saturday night when they travel to face Nashville SC. Columbus will look to halt its two-match skid against another Eastern Conference opponent before returning home the following weekend.