Philadelphia remains first in MLS east after win over Montreal, 2-1

July 16, 2025

Chester, PA

Philadelphia held on for the win against CF Montreal Wednesday evening, 2-1.  The game resembled the weather – hot and muggy.  While the Union did not overwhelm Montreal, as one might expect from the top of the MLS East facing a team on the bottom of the table, Philadelphia did enough to leave the pitch with three points.

The Union had been following a familiar game rhythm:  Grab the lead with an early goal or two and then hold on for the win.  On Wednesday, the first goal occurred later-on, in the 37th minute when Danley Jean Jacques brought the ball toward the Montreal goal, but stumbled in the approach.  The ball made its way to Quinn Sullivan who passed to Tai Baribo, and Baribo in turn flicked the ball with his right foot to the left-center of the goal.

It looked as though the Union would head to the locker room at half-time up a goal, but in the second minute of first half stoppage time, Philadelphia suffered a defensive lapse.  After Montreal’s keeper distributed left, Joel Waterman passed right to a cutting Prince Owusu, who jumped and shot the ball to the left of Philadelphia’s keeper Andre Blake.  The score was leveled just before the half.

Philadelphia, however, regained the lead in the 50th minute off of a Kai Wagner corner.  The ball went directly to Olwethu Makhanya’s head, and the 21 year-old had the presence of mind to direct the shot downward to bounce up to the left of the Montreal goal for his first MLS score.  The score stayed at 2-1 through the remainder of the game.

Montreal had its chances.  In the 6th minute, former Union player Fabian Herbers had a near-miss, just left of the Philadelphia goal.  Then, in the 23rd minute, a free kick taken by another former Union player Brandon Craig went through the defense, causing Andre Blake to make the save.  The best chance may have been that of Prince Owusu in the 77th minute. Montreal’s Tom Pearce crossed to Owusu to mirror Makhanya’s downward header, but this one hit the post.  Philadelphia held on to get the win, 2-1.

Photographs of the game appear below:

 

Philadelphia’s Olwethu Makhanya has found his quality in defense, shown with Montreal’s Hennadii Synchuk.Philadelphia keeper Andre Blake stops the free-kick shot from former Union player Brandon Craig.Olwethu Makhanya (rear left) scoring with a downward header to the left side of goal.

Philadelphia’s Quinn Sullivan staying on balance.Prince Owusu’s open shot that bounced off of the Union’s upright.Philadelphia’s Danley Jean Jacques moving with the ball. Frankie Westfield is getting some playing time after his injury.The boy wonder — Cavan Sullivan — following the ball toward goal.