The Montreal Impact continued their surge up the Eastern Conference standings on Sunday afternoon, securing a 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire at Stade Saputo.
On a day when the final product was largely lacking, Omar Browne created something out of nothing for the Impact. The Panamanian winger dribbled past Jorge Corrales on the end line, then scooped home a finish in the 83rd minute for his first MLS goal.
Moments before, it looked as though Montreal could have gone down to 10 men, but head referee Rubiel Vazquez only issued Bacary Sagna a yellow card. The French right back caught Chicago midfielder Dax McCarty with a high elbow when jumping for a header, producing a small gash.
In the 6th minute, Chicago nearly found a breakthrough via three quick chances, only for stops by Evan Bush and a goal-line clearance from Samuel Piette to stand in the way.
Chicago managed a goal-line clearance of their own, as Nemanja Nikolic headed clear a looping header off a corner kick from Sagna in the 18th minute.
Goals
- 83' – MTL – Omar Browne | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Chicago ends a three-game week with back-to-back losses, having already fallen 1-0 at New York City FC on Wednesday. Meanwhile, an opposite trend emerges for Montreal from a three-game week of their own. They closed their’s with back-to-back wins, following up a 3-0 midweek win at the New England Revolution with another three points. They’re flying high in the Eastern Conference.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Clearcut chances were hard to come by at Stade Saputo, but Omar Browne made his count in the 83rd minute. He dribbled past several defenders and evaded David Ousted’s diving attempt at the near post for his first MLS goal.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: For scoring the game’s sole goal, Omar Browne gets the nod here. The Panamanian, 24, entered at an awkward time – he subbed on for Clement Bayiha in the 40th minute – and most the most of it. After impressing with C.A. Independiente de La Chorrera during the 2019 Concacaf Champions League, Browne was acquired via loan less than two weeks ago.
Next Up
- MTL: Saturday, May 4 vs. New York City FC (5 pm ET | TVAS in Canada, MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US
- CHI: Saturday, May 4 at Los Angeles Football Club (10:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN in US, on DAZN in Canada)
