Cincinnati knocks off Montreal 3-0 to claim second in Eastern Conference

Cincinnati knocks off Montreal 3-0 to claim second in Eastern Conference | iNFOnews.ca
FC Cincinnati forward Brenner, left, celebrates with midfielder Evander (10) after scoring during the second half of an MLS soccer match against CF Montréal, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tanner Pearson)

CINCINNATI (AP) — Defender Nick Hagglund, Evander Da Silva Ferreira and Brenner Souza all scored and Roman Celentano was untouchable as FC Cincinnati claimed second place in the Eastern Conference with a 3-0 Decision Day victory over CF Montreal on Saturday.

Hagglund found the net for the first time this season to give Cincinnati (20-9-5) a 1-0 lead in the 33rd minute. It was his 10th goal in 231 career appearances.

Evander, who collected his 15th assist on Hagglund’s netter, set a career high with his 18th goal in his first season with the Crew for a 2-0 lead in the 56th minute. Hagglund picked up his first assist this season on the goal.

Brenner used a pass from Gerardo Valenzuela to cap the scoring in the 88th minute. It was the fourth goal in six appearances this season for Brenner. Valenzuela’s assist was his first of the campaign and his fourth in 55 career appearances.

Celentano finished with three saves to earn his 10th clean sheet in 30 starts this season for Cincinnati. It was Celentano’s 35th career shutout in 157 starts — all with his current club.

Rookie Thomas Gillier, 21, saved four shots for Montreal (6-18-10) in his eighth career start.

Cincinnati beat Montreal 3-1 on the road earlier this season.

Cincinnati notched its second 20-win season. The club finished 20-5-9 in 2023.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/soccer

Cincinnati knocks off Montreal 3-0 to claim second in Eastern Conference | iNFOnews.ca
FC Cincinnati midfielder Brian Anunga, front left, controls the ball as CF Montréal midfielder Bryce Duke (10) defends during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tanner Pearson)
Cincinnati knocks off Montreal 3-0 to claim second in Eastern Conference | iNFOnews.ca
FC Cincinnati forward Brenner (8) celebrates after scoring during the second half of an MLS soccer match against CF Montréal, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tanner Pearson)
Cincinnati knocks off Montreal 3-0 to claim second in Eastern Conference | iNFOnews.ca
FC Cincinnati forward Kei Kamara (85) heads a ball as he is defended by CF Montréal defender Jalen Neal (2) during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tanner Pearson)
Cincinnati knocks off Montreal 3-0 to claim second in Eastern Conference | iNFOnews.ca
FC Cincinnati forward Kei Kamara, left, heads a ball as CF Montréal defender Fernando Álvarez, right, defends during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tanner Pearson)
Cincinnati knocks off Montreal 3-0 to claim second in Eastern Conference | iNFOnews.ca
FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano points downfield during the second half of an MLS soccer match against CF Montréal, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tanner Pearson)

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles