CINCINNATI (AP) — Defenders Nick Haglund, Evander da Silva Ferreira and Brenner Souza all scored and Roman Celentano was untouchable as FC Cincinnati clinched second place in the Eastern Conference with a 3-0 decision-day win over CF Montreal on Saturday.
Haglund found the net for the first time this season and Cincinnati (20-9-5) took a 1-0 lead in the 33rd minute. This was his 10th goal in 231 career games.
Evander, who had his 15th assist on Haglund’s netter, scored his career-high 18th goal in his first year with the Crew in the 56th minute for a 2-0 lead. Haglund recorded his first assist of the season.
Brenner scored in the 88th minute, taking advantage of a pass from Gerardo Valenzuela. It was Brenner’s fourth goal in six games this season. Valenzuela’s assist was his first of the season and fourth in 55 career games.
Celentano finished with three saves, his 10th clean sheet in 30 starts this season for Cincinnati. This was Celentano’s 35th shutout in 157 starts, all with his current club.
21-year-old rookie Thomas Gillier saved four shots in his eighth career start for Montreal (6-18-10).
Cincinnati defeated Montreal 3-1 on the road earlier this season.
Cincinnati recorded its second 20-win season. The club had a record of 20 wins, 5 losses, and 9 draws in 2023.
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