CF Montreal got the most out of its two shots on target and shut out Orlando City SC 2-0 on Sunday night at Stade Saputo.
Ismaël Koné breathed a sigh of relief from the 19,619 fans present at the Montrealers’ home when he deceived the vigilance of Pedro Gallese in the 68th minute of play.
Djordje Mihailovic then put an end to the debate in the last moments of the meeting, when he hit the target on a penalty after causing a foul.
The Bleu-blanc-noir scored its first playoff victory since 2016 and earned its ticket to the Eastern Conference semi-finals. He now awaits the winner of the duel between New York City FC and Inter Miami CF, which will be held on Monday evening.
The visitors tried to put CF Montreal to sleep for over an hour, but after several failed attempts, the home side found a way to secure a fifth straight win.
After finishing the season seventh overall in the East, following a dramatic last-game win over the Columbus Crew, the Orlando squad were in the playoffs for a third straight year.
According to MLS statistics, American teams have now won only two of the 13 playoff games they have played in Canada. The last victory dates back to November 5, 2017, when the New York Red Bulls defeated Toronto FC.
CF Montreal, which will play its next game on Sunday, was beaten 2-0 by Orlando City SC in Florida on February 27 before winning 4-1 at Saputo Stadium on May 7.
Slowly but surely
The Montrealers controlled the ball for most of the first half, but the best scoring opportunities came from the foot of an Orlando City SC player.
Between numerous time losses from Gallese to return the ball, Ercan Kara came alone into the penalty area on the left flank, but his shot went over James Pantemis’ net.
CF Montreal believed they had obtained a penalty in stoppage time in the first half, when Lassi Lappalainen was mowed down, but the referee did not react. Moments later, Antonio Carlos accepted a cross and he missed a golden chance past Pantemis.
By dint of working near the penalty area, Wilfried Nancy’s men finally saw their efforts pay off in the second half.
Joel Waterman passed the ball to Kei Kamara, who left it at the foot of Mihailovic. The latter slipped a nice pass to Koné, who threaded the needle to open the scoring.
Orlando City SC had to open the game and get out of their game plan, which allowed the Montrealers to buzz again. In stoppage time in the second half, Mihailovic was fouled in the penalty area and put the finishing touches on the penalty himself.