Cincinnati knocks off Montreal 3-0 to claim second seed in Eastern Conference

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FC Cincinnati forward Brenner, left, celebrates with midfielder Evander (10) after scoring during the second half of an MLS soccer match against CF Montréal, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tanner Pearson)

FC Cincinnati midfielder Brian Anunga, front left, controls the ball as CF Montréal midfielder Bryce Duke (10) defends during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tanner Pearson) — FC Cincinnati forward Brenner, left, celebrates with midfielder Evander (10) after scoring during the second half of an MLS soccer match against CF Montréal, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tanner Pearson)

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9:23 PM on Saturday, October 18

The Associated Press

CINCINNATI (AP) — Defender Nick Hagglund, Evander Da Silva Ferreira and Brenner Souza all scored and Roman Celentano was untouchable as FC Cincinnati claimed second place in the Eastern Conference with a 3-0 Decision Day victory over CF Montreal on Saturday.

Hagglund found the net for the first time this season to give Cincinnati (20-9-5) a 1-0 lead in the 33rd minute. It was his 10th goal in 231 career appearances.

Evander, who collected his 15th assist on Hagglund's netter, set a career high with his 18th goal in his first season with the Crew for a 2-0 lead in the 56th minute. Hagglund picked up his first assist this season on the score.

Brenner used a pass from Gerardo Valenzuela to cap the scoring in the 88th minute. It was the fourth goal in six appearances this season for Brenner. Valenzuela's assist was his first of the campaign and his fourth in 55 career appearances.

Celentano finished with three saves to earn his 10th clean sheet in 30 starts this season for Cincinnati. It was Celentano's 35th career shutout in 157 starts — all with his current club.

Rookie Thomas Gillier, 21, saved four shots for Montreal (6-18-10) in his eighth career start.

Cincinnati beat Montreal 3-1 on the road earlier this season.

Cincinnati notched its second 20-win season. The club finished 20-5-9 in 2023.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/soccer