MONTREAL — CF Montreal’s five-game unbeaten run at Stade Saputo ended Saturday afternoon following a 2-0 loss to the Chicago Fire.
Philip Zinckernagel and Hugo Cuypers scored for Chicago (7-2-4). The visitors completed the double over Montreal (4-1-8) this season, following a 3-0 win in the reverse fixture
While Montreal opened the game with more control of the ball, Chicago was content to sit back and look to hit on the counterattack. The majority of the Fire’s threats came from the flanks, including the initial play for the opener.
In the 15th minute, Maren Haile-Selassie was played through while out wide and sent a ball in that — while intercepted by Brayan Vera — struck Jalen Neal on its way out.
After the failed clearance, Zinckernagel was gifted a free shot inside the penalty area and finished into the bottom corner.
Montreal spent the remainder of the first half working on a way to get through Chicago’s low block, but could not create enough clear-cut chances to find an equalizer.
In the second half, Montreal pinned the Fire back even farther into their defensive third.
The home team found more success against the Chicago low block as well, generating shots on target and forcing several decisive saves from goalkeeper Chris Brady.
As in the first half, Chicago would strike against the run of play once again just before the hour mark. After receiving the ball in space, Zinkernagel was able to turn and pick out a streaking Cuypers, who scored his 13th goal in his last 10 MLS games.
In the final stages of the game, Montreal threw caution to the wind in hopes of generating a comeback, but was still unable to find a way through.
Montreal: Will travel to face D.C. United on May 23.
Chicago: Will host Toronto FC on May 23.