CF Montréal failed to secure all three points at home at Stade Saputo and settled for a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Portland Timbers in a match full of momentum swings, goals, and late drama.
Despite leading twice during the game, the Canadian side couldn’t close it out and dropped valuable points in a tightly contested Eastern Conference race.
⚽ Goal breakdown: a back-and-forth battle in Montréal
The match started at a high tempo, with early chances turning into goals quickly.
🔵 Daniel Ríos gives Montréal the lead
Playing at home, Daniel Ríos opened the scoring for CF Montréal, finishing off a well-worked attacking move to make it 1-0 and energize the home crowd.
🔴 Kevin Kelsy levels for Portland
Portland responded through Kevin Kelsy, who made it 1-1 after an assist from Kristoffer Velde, bringing the match back into balance.
🔵 Wikelman Carmona restores Montréal’s advantage
Before halftime, Montréal struck again. Wikelman Carmona scored the 2-1 goal after a brilliant assist from Matthew Longstaff, who once again played a key creative role in midfield.
🔴 Cole Bassett strikes late to rescue a point
Just when Montréal looked set for victory, Cole Bassett scored in the 77th minute to make it 2-2 and secure a valuable away point for Portland Timbers.
📊 CF Montréal continues push in the Eastern Conference
CF Montréal continue a nice run in MLS play and are now just one point behind Toronto FC, two points off the playoffs.
The club currently sits 11th in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind Toronto FC (14 points), keeping the playoff race wide open.
🔜 Upcoming fixtures
- CF Montréal vs Chicago Fire (MLS)
- Toronto FC vs Charlotte FC (away)
Both matches will be crucial in shaping the Eastern Conference standings.
⭐ Match standouts
- Daniel Ríos: opened the scoring at home
- Kevin Kelsy: equalizer for Portland
- Wikelman Carmona: key goal for Montréal
- Matthew Longstaff: 2 assists and creative control
- Cole Bassett: late equalizer for Portland
🧠 Conclusion
CF Montréal showed strong attacking moments at home but struggled to protect their lead twice. The draw feels like two points dropped, but the team remains firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot in a highly competitive Eastern Conference.
