Cuypers’ MLS-leading – CF Montreal’s five-game unbeaten run at Stade Saputo ended with a 2-0 loss to the Chicago Fire, with Philip Zinckernagel and MLS-leading scorer Hugo Cuypers providing the goals as Chicago completed the season double over Montreal.
MONTREAL — CF Montreal’s evening began with momentum and ended with frustration as its five-game unbeaten run at Stade Saputo was snapped on Saturday afternoon, cut short by a 2-0 defeat to the Chicago Fire.
Philip Zinckernagel and Hugo Cuypers scored for Chicago, who arrived and left with a clear statement: the visitors completed the double over Montreal this season, having also won the reverse fixture 3-0.
Montreal opened with more control of the ball, but Chicago stayed disciplined, sitting back and inviting counters. Most of the Fire’s most dangerous moments came down the flanks, including the sequence that led to the first goal.
In the 15th minute, Maren Haile-Selassie was played through while out wide and sent a ball in.. Brayan Vera intercepted it, but it struck Jalen Neal on its way out and the game kept moving.. After a failed clearance. Zinckernagel was left with a free shot inside the penalty area and finished into the bottom corner to put Chicago ahead.
Montreal worked hard for the rest of the first half, trying to find a way through Chicago’s low block, but the home side couldn’t generate enough clear-cut chances to force an equalizer.
The second half saw Montreal pin Chicago farther into its defensive third, and the home team did create more of the kind of pressure that usually brings rewards—shots on target and several decisive saves from goalkeeper Chris Brady.
But Chicago struck again just before the hour mark, against the run of play.. Zinkernagel received the ball in space, turned, and picked out a streaking Cuypers.. Cuypers scored his 13th goal in his last 10 MLS games. extending the lead in a moment that emphasized how costly Montreal’s counterattacking risk proved.
In the final stages, Montreal threw caution to the wind looking to generate a comeback, yet it was still unable to find a route through Chicago’s defense.
Montreal will travel to face D.C. United on May 23.
Chicago will host Toronto FC on May 23.
CF Montreal Chicago Fire Hugo Cuypers Philip Zinckernagel MLS Stade Saputo Maren Haile-Selassie Brayan Vera Chris Brady Jalen Neal