Prince Owusu’s brace in the first half propelled CF Montreal to secure a berth in the Canadian Championship final by defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 on Wednesday, clinching a 3-2 victory on aggregate. This marks Montreal’s first appearance in the Canadian Championship final since 2023, ending Vancouver’s streak of four consecutive titles.
Owusu expressed his pre-game confidence in his team’s readiness, highlighting their determination to surpass their limits and secure the win through sheer determination rather than pure skill. Montreal’s recent losses have often been attributed to a lack of finishing, but this time, they managed to outperform a strong Vancouver side by capitalizing on limited opportunities.
Despite possessing only 36% of the ball possession throughout the two legs, Montreal displayed remarkable efficiency, scoring three goals from just four shots on target. Interim head coach Philippe Eullaffroy commended the team’s efficiency and expressed a desire for even more clinical finishing from Owusu.
In a closely contested match, Vancouver dominated possession early on, but Montreal found success with counterattacks, leading to their first goal from a penalty converted by Owusu. The Montreal side extended their lead just before halftime with Owusu’s second goal, showcasing their prowess in exploiting defensive vulnerabilities.
As Vancouver pushed for a comeback in the second half, Montreal’s solid defensive display thwarted their efforts, with Montreal even posing a greater threat on the attack. Vancouver captain Ryan Gauld admitted their struggles in breaking through Montreal’s defense and converting chances into goals.
Although Vancouver managed to score a late goal through Emmanuel Sabbi, Montreal held on to secure their spot in the final against Forge FC on October 21 at Stade Saputo. The victory marks a significant milestone for Montreal in their quest for Canadian Championship glory.
This victory sets the stage for an exciting final showdown between Montreal and Forge FC, promising a thrilling conclusion to the Canadian Championship.