Mason Toye scored a late goal in his return from injury as CF Montréal stole all three points in a 1-0 win over Chicago Fire FC.
After a dicey first 20 minutes, Bobby Shuttleworth denied Montréal's best chance of the first half. Bjørn Johnsen had a perfect opportunity to give his team the lead from just above the penalty spot but Shuttleworth dove to his left and denied Johnsen a third goal this season.
Clement Diop also needed to work in his six-yard box to keep the score level in the first half. Brian Gutierrez found the end of a cross, after Robert Beric completely missed the ball with his right foot, but the Montréal 'keeper safely caught the 17 year-old's shot.
Chicago applied the pressure after returning from halftime but to no avail. Montréal's backline bent but didn't break as the visitors fought to keep their clean sheet.
Diop needed to make another big save to keep his team in the game at the 74th minute. On a counter attacking opportunity, Beric set up Fabian Herbers who was wide open on the right side. Alone in front of goal, Herbers tried his luck but Diop dove to frustrate both the German and the fans in attendance at Soldier Field.
A stalemate looked the inevitable conclusion but Montréal would find a late winner from the head of Mason Toye, who was making his return to the field after a month out with injury. The South Orange, NJ, native substituted into the game in the second half and gave his team all three points with an 86th minute headed effort. From his left flank, Zorhan Bassong whipped the ball inside the box for Toye who headed the ball toward the far post to kill Chicago's hopes of emerging with at least a point.
Chicago thought they had an equalizer in the closing seconds but Video Review cut short the celebrations. After six minutes of added time, Wyatt Omsberg also headed in a late goal but Video Review correctly spotted an offside in the buildup to send the Soldier Field fans home dejected.
Goals
- 87' — MTL — Mason Toye | WATCH
Three things
THE BIG PICTURE: After one win in their last six games, CF Montréal found a way to steal all three points in their final game before the international break. It wasn't easy and Montréal can thank Clement Diop for keeping them in the game but the result is key. After ending a four-game losing streak with their first win of the season last weekend, Chicago's momentum has been immediately cut short.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Mason Toye returned to the squad after injury issues and gave his team the win. The 22 year-old leaped to head a cross from Zorhan Bassong and headed the ball towards the far post to give his team the late win.
MAN OF THE MATCH: While Mason Toye scored the winning goal, Clement Diop kept his team in a position to win the game. The Senegal international make big saves to keep Montréal's chances alive and deserved his clean sheet.
Up next
CHI: Saturday, June 19 at Columbus Crew | 7:30pm ET (MLS Live on ESPN+)*
MTL:* Wednesday, June 23 vs DC United | 8:00pm ET (TVA Sports, MLS Live on ESPN+)
