After earning a point against the Philadelphia Union last week on the road, the Columbus Crew battled CF Montreal in a compelling match that ended in a 1-1 draw at Stade Saputo Wednesday evening. Both teams entered the game looking for three points, with Montreal being the slight favorites after their win against New York City FC last week. 

The Crew started the match with a sense of urgency, eager to assert themselves early. Their efforts paid off multiple times, but the Black & Gold couldn’t find the back of the net despite having most of the ball.

CF Montreal broke the ice in the 29th minute through Luca Petrasso, after his left-footed shot went past the outstretched left hand of Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. 

Columbus, determined to respond, began to find their rhythm as the half progressed. Their persistence paid off in the second half when they equalized in the 63rd minute. 

Jonathan Sirois made a costly error after being pressed hard by Jacen Russell-Rowe, who took the ball off the Montreal keeper’s foot outside the 18-yard box and shot it home from distance to equalize for the Crew. 

With the score tied at 1-1, both teams ramped up their efforts in search of a winner, but Columbus controlled the second half, pinning Montreal in their own defensive end. 

Russell-Rowe nearly claimed the go-ahead goal in the 82nd minute after Ibrahim Aliyu found the Canadian international at the center of the box. The right-footed attempt seemed destined for the goal, but Sirois made up for his earlier mistake with a glancing left-handed save to give Columbus a corner kick. 

The Crew’s defense, led by a resurgent backline, worked tirelessly to keep Montreal’s attack at bay. 

As the clock dwindled, Columbus’s intensity increased as it pushed for that decisive goal. However, despite several close calls and strategic substitutions from both coaches, the match ended in a draw. 

While both teams left with a point, the result felt bittersweet for the Crew, who had the upper hand for much of the game. With Rivalry Week approaching, Columbus looked to be okay with another point on the road to keep their unbeaten streak alive. Without Diego Rossi appearing, the Crew relies on him to play 90 minutes in their upcoming matchup against FC Cincinnati. 

The unbeaten road streak is alive

Columbus has yet to lose on the road, making this season one of the best in Club history. This is only the second time Columbus has had one loss through 13 games (2020), and it marks their first time being unbeaten through six road matches. 

What’s next? 

The Columbus Crew are back home Saturday in the first leg of the 2025 edition of the Hell Is Real Derby. Kickoff against FC Cincinnati is at 7:15 p.m. EDT. You can watch the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.