CF Montréal clinched a crucial 3-2 victory against Atlético de San Luis on Tuesday night at Stade Saputo, keeping their Leagues Cup campaign alive. After suffering a 4-1 defeat to Orlando City SC in their group stage opener, Montréal needed a win to stay in the competition. They delivered with two first-half goals and held on to secure the win.
Early Dominance
The match started with both teams exchanging scoring opportunities in the first fifteen minutes, promising an offensive battle. Sébastien Salles-Lamonge and Vitinho missed early chances for their respective sides.
Josef Martinez came close for CF Montréal but missed the target. However, the home team broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Bryce Duke made a long run down the right flank and found Tom Pearce on the left. Pearce, making his debut start, scored with a precise shot into the bottom left corner.
Atlético de San Luis nearly responded through Vitinho, but Montréal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois made a crucial save. CF Montréal then doubled their lead in the 27th minute with a beautifully executed cross from Pearce that Matias Coccaro converted. Coccaro had another chance to extend the lead but had his penalty saved by San Luis goalkeeper Andres Sanchez.
Holding the Lead
Despite holding a two-goal lead, CF Montréal remained aggressive in the second half. However, their finishing was lacking. Substitute Kwadwo Opoku missed several close chances, including hitting the crossbar.
These missed opportunities almost proved costly when Franck Boli was fouled in the penalty area by Joel Waterman. Boli converted the penalty to make it 2-1.
CF Montréal restored their two-goal cushion when Sunusi Ibrahim headed in a cross from Ruan, making it 3-1. Although Jurgen Damm added a penalty for Atlético de San Luis in the dying seconds, it was too late to change the outcome.
Staying Alive
With this victory, CF Montréal keeps their Leagues Cup hopes alive, currently sitting second in East Group 2. Atlético de San Luis must now defeat Orlando City SC in regulation time on August 4 to advance.
Should CF Montréal advance, they will face the winner of East Group 4, which includes the Philadelphia Union, Cruz Azul, and Charlotte FC.
