Columbus Crew defeat Montreal 2-1

The Columbus Crew desperately needed three points to keep pace in the playoff chase and a ferocious defensive effort and two Gyasi Zardes goals delivered them as the Black & Gold defeated CF Montreal 2-1.

The Crew had a couple early chances as Darlington Nagbe took the ball on the dribble into the final third. After a nice interplay with Pedro Santos, Nagbe found the Portuguese winger on the right sideline. Santos overhit his cross, ending the 11th minute Columbus chance.

Santos created more early danger with a recovery in the attacking third and slipping a couple of defenders. His bending cross forced a punch from James Pantemis in the 13th minute. Another long-distance Santos shot forces…