CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew Predictions

Prediction by The Numbers Desk — No extreme form or market signal — routed to The Numbers Desk, which builds the prediction from the underlying statistical rates.
Major League SoccerMajor League Soccer · USA
high confidence
CF Montreal

CF Montreal

Full Time

0 - 2

AI predicted 1 - 2

Columbus Crew

Columbus Crew

🗓️ Saturday, 19 Sept 2026 at 19:30 GMT-4 (venue time) · 23:30 UTC (your time)📍 Saputo Stadium, Montréal

Win Probability (1X2)

CF Montreal 23%Draw 33%Columbus Crew 44%

Best Value Pick

Over/Under 2.5: Over 2.5

Match Result

6.8/10

Columbus Crew Outclass Montreal with Second-Half Surge at Saputo Stadium

Columbus Crew delivered a clinical second-half performance to secure a 2-0 victory over CF Montreal at Saputo Stadium. After a cagey first half with few clear chances, the visitors found their rhythm after the break, scoring twice in an 11-minute spell to silence the home crowd. Montreal, despite enjoying 54% possession and forcing five corners, struggled to break down a disciplined Crew defense and managed only two shots on target all evening. The breakthrough came in the 57th minute, shifting momentum decisively in Columbus' favor. A second goal in the 68th minute effectively sealed the result, as Montreal's efforts to respond were blunted by a lack of cutting edge and a resolute Crew backline. The result underscores Columbus' efficiency in front of goal and tactical flexibility, while Montreal will rue their inability to convert possession into genuine threat.

😅 AI Prediction Report

CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR

Predicted

1 - 2

⚡

Actual

0 - 2

✅Result
❌BTTS
❌O/U 2.5
❌Score

💰 Bet Results0/2 hit

Over/Under 2.5 Goals — Over 2.5
❌
1X2 — Columbus Crew
❓
Both Teams To Score — Yes
❌

Key Moments

57' — Goal

Josef Martínez opens the scoring for Columbus Crew, finishing off a swift attacking move.

68' — Goal

Columbus double their lead, with Brais Méndez involved in the buildup.

72' — Yellow Card

Montreal's discipline slips as Victor Loturi is booked for a late challenge.

81' — Yellow Card

Samuel Piette receives Montreal's second yellow card, further hampering their comeback hopes.

CF Montreal

CF Montreal

5/10

Montreal started brightly, controlling possession and dictating the tempo in midfield, but their attacking play lacked sharpness and penetration. Despite registering 54% possession and earning five corners, the hosts could only muster two shots on target from eight attempts, rarely troubling Patrick Schulte in the Columbus goal. Defensively, they kept the visitors at bay in the first half but were undone by two well-taken Crew goals after the interval. Montreal's frustrations were compounded by discipline issues, picking up two yellow cards and conceding 19 fouls, which disrupted their rhythm and allowed Columbus to manage the game's tempo in the closing stages.

Key Players

Victor Loturi: Worked tirelessly in midfield, helping Montreal control possession early on.
Sebastian Breza: Made several important saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

Strengths

Midfield possession controlEarly defensive organization

Weaknesses

Lack of attacking threatPoor discipline (19 fouls, 2 yellow cards)Struggled to respond after conceding
Columbus Crew

Columbus Crew

8/10

Columbus Crew executed their game plan to perfection, absorbing early Montreal pressure before turning the screw in the second half. Their 3-4-2-1 formation provided defensive solidity and allowed for quick transitions, which paid dividends after halftime. With 13 shots (three on target) and clinical finishing, the Crew capitalized on their best spells of play to take a decisive lead. The visitors were disciplined throughout, committing just nine fouls and picking up a single yellow card. Their ability to shift gears after the break and efficiently manage the game after going ahead was a testament to their tactical maturity.

Key Players

Josef Martínez: Scored a crucial goal to break the deadlock and led the line effectively.
Brais Méndez: Instrumental in attack, providing an assist and linking play between midfield and attack.

Strengths

Clinical finishingDefensive disciplineEffective tactical adjustments

Weaknesses

Slow start in the first halfLimited attacking threat before halftime

Tactical Analysis

Montreal lined up in a 4-2-3-1, aiming to control the midfield and build attacks patiently. Their double pivot of Loturi and Piette provided stability, but the attacking trio behind Owusu struggled to create clear chances, often crowded out by Columbus' compact defensive shape. The Crew's 3-4-2-1 formation allowed them to absorb pressure and spring forward in numbers, particularly after halftime. The wingbacks provided width, while the front three exploited spaces left as Montreal pushed forward. Columbus' tactical discipline was evident in their low foul count and ability to transition quickly. Subtle adjustments after the break saw them press higher and commit more bodies forward, leading directly to their two goals. Montreal's attempts to chase the game left them vulnerable, and the Crew managed the closing stages with composure.

Turning Point

Josef Martínez's opening goal in the 57th minute, which shifted momentum decisively in Columbus' favor.

Man of the Match

Josef Martínez

His opening goal broke the deadlock and set the tone for Columbus' dominant second half.

CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew: Match Preview

CF Montreal enter this fixture in a worrying run, having lost four of their last five and conceding 14 goals in that stretch. Their season-long record at Saputo Stadium is underwhelming (3W, 5D, 4L), and they sit 15th in the table with a -19 goal difference. Columbus Crew are only marginally better in the standings (13th, -6 GD), but their away form shows more attacking punch (18 goals in 12 away games), even if results have been poor (1W, 3D, 8L).

The statistical matchup points to goals. Montreal's home defence is leaking (1.25 conceded per home game), and their last five matches average 3.8 total goals. Columbus, meanwhile, combine a leaky away defence (2.25 conceded per away game) with a consistent attacking output. Both teams have a season over 2.5 goals rate above 66%, and neither keeps clean sheets regularly (both at 16.7%). Set-piece volume is moderate, with both sides averaging around 5 corners per match, but discipline is a minor concern, as neither side exceeds 2 yellow cards per game.

Given these rates, the model expects a match with multiple goals and a slight edge to Columbus Crew, whose attacking metrics and H2H record in Montreal are superior. The likeliest scenario is an away win in a game where both teams find the net, but the volatility of both defences keeps the draw and high-scoring home win within the plausible range.

🎮 Prediction Playground

Think the model has it wrong? Nudge each team's expected goals and watch every probability react — then simulate the match and see what happens.

CF Montreal1.40

Expected goals · model says 1.40

Columbus Crew1.85

Expected goals · model says 1.85

Win Probability
CF Montreal 29% Draw 23% Columbus Crew 48%

Over 2.5 Goals

63%

BTTS: Yes

63%

Likely Scores

1-1 · 1-2 · 0-1

Play this match once with the probabilities above — every run is different.

Powered by the same Poisson scoreline model behind the prediction. For fun and exploration — not betting advice.

CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew Prediction Confidence at a Glance

How strongly the model leans on each market.

Match Result (1X2)
23%
33%
44%
CF Montreal 23%Draw 33%Columbus Crew 44%
Both Teams to Score
62%
38%
Yes 62%No 38%
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
65%
35%
Over 2.5 65%Under 2.5 35%
Corners (Over/Under 9.5)
59%
41%
Over 9.5 59%Under 9.5 41%

Stats Worth Knowing

The numbers behind CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew that most previews miss.

  • 1Columbus Crew's away matches average 3.75 goals per game, the highest of any bottom-half side.
  • 2Montreal have conceded at least two goals in four of their last five league matches.
  • 3Seven of the last ten H2H meetings have seen both teams score.

Who do you think wins: CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew?

Cast your vote, then see how it stacks up against the model.

More Major League Soccer Predictions

The Case For This CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew Prediction

Statistically, this fixture projects as a high-scoring contest between two defensively vulnerable sides. Columbus Crew's away attack (18 goals in 12 away games) and Montreal's defensive frailty (2.08 conceded per game) set the stage for an open encounter, while both teams' over 2.5 goal rates (66.7% and 75%) further reinforce the likelihood of multiple goals.

Key Factors at a Glance

Attack

  • →Both sides have over 66% of their matches finishing with three or more goals.

Defence

  • →Columbus Crew average 1.5 goals scored per away match, while Montreal concede 1.25 at home.
  • →Montreal have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches, conceding 14 goals in that span.

🚩 CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew Corners Prediction

medium confidence
10.4expected total corners
Over 59%
Under 41%
Over 9.5Under 9.5

Our corners model projects roughly 6.2 corners for CF Montreal and 4.2 for Columbus Crew, for an expected total of 10.4. That makes the model lean Over 9.5 corners (59%). Over 8.5: 71% · Over 10.5: 47%.

More corners tips:Over 9.5 →Under 9.5 →

How CF Montreal and Columbus Crew Are Arriving

Form, fitness and who's likely to start.

CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew Goalscorer Form

Goals scored in last 5 matches across all competitions. Rate = goals ÷ 5 games. XI badge shows player is in the expected starting lineup.

CF MontrealCF Montreallast 5 matches
P. OwusuXI
2 goals in 5
40%

Regular contributor

D. Riossub/out
1 goal in 5
20%

Occasional threat

Columbus CrewColumbus Crewlast 5 matches
B. MendezXI
2 goals in 5
40%

Regular contributor

S. RodriguezXI
2 goals in 5
40%

Regular contributor

M. FarsiXI
1 goal in 5
20%

Occasional threat

J. MartinezXI
1 goal in 5
20%

Occasional threat

G. Tapiasub/out
1 goal in 5
20%

Occasional threat

T. HabrouneXI
1 goal in 5
20%

Occasional threat

Montreal are in a pronounced slump, winless in their last five league games and conceding nearly three goals per match in that stretch. Columbus Crew have also struggled, losing four of their last five, but their attack has shown more consistency, averaging 1.4 goals per game in the same period.

CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew — Last 10 Matches

CF MontrealCF MontrealLast 10 results
L0-2
L0-1
L1-2
L0-2
L1-7
D2-2
W2-1
D1-1
D2-2
L0-1
Lvs Columbus Crew0-2
L@ Colorado Rapids0-1
Lvs Charlotte1-2
L@ Philadelphia Union0-2
L@ Inter Miami1-7
Dvs Los Angeles Galaxy2-2
W@ Columbus Crew2-1
Dvs DC United1-1
Dvs New England Revolution2-2
Lvs Inter Miami0-1

Concerns

  • −4/5 losses in last 5 — poor form
  • −Struggling to score — 0.6 goals/game
  • −No clean sheets in last 5 matches
Columbus CrewColumbus CrewLast 10 results
W2-0
L0-1
L1-2
W3-0
L1-3
L2-3
L1-2
L1-3
D2-2
W2-1
W@ CF Montreal2-0
Lvs New York Red Bulls0-1
L@ DC United1-2
Wvs Colorado Rapids3-0
Lvs New England Revolution1-3
L@ Nashville SC2-3
Lvs CF Montreal1-2
L@ Charlotte1-3
D@ Inter Miami2-2
Wvs FC Cincinnati2-1

Strengths

  • +Solid recent form — 3+ wins in last 5
  • +Over 2.5 goals in 69.23% of games this season

What History Says: CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew

Columbus Crew have dominated the recent head-to-head, winning five of the last ten encounters and scoring at least twice in four of their last five visits to Montreal. Matches between these sides are typically open, with seven of the last ten seeing both teams score.

CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew Head-to-Head History

Last 10 meetings between these sides

2

CF Montreal wins

3

Draws

5

Columbus Crew wins

20%30% draws50%
19 Sept 26CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew0-2
19 Aug 26Columbus Crew vs CF Montreal1-2
14 May 25CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew1-1
5 Apr 25Columbus Crew vs CF Montreal2-1
15 May 24CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew1-3
27 Apr 24Columbus Crew vs CF Montreal0-0

Where the Model Disagrees with the Odds: CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew

With no odds available, value cannot be calculated, but the model's highest conviction is in the goals markets—particularly over 2.5 and BTTS—given both teams' defensive records and high-scoring trends. If bookmakers price these markets below 1.60 (implied probability 62.5%), they may warrant close attention.

Odds from Bet365. Positive edge = our model gives a higher probability than the odds imply. EV = expected value per £1 staked.

1X2

SelectionOddsModel %Edge
CF Montreal Win2.7023.0%-14.0%
Drawvalue3.7033.0%+6.0%
Columbus Crew Winvalue2.4544.0%+3.2%

Over/Under 2.5

SelectionOddsModel %Edge
Over 2.51.5765.0%+1.3%
Under 2.52.3535.0%-7.6%

Both Teams Score

SelectionOddsModel %Edge
Yes1.5062.0%-4.7%
No2.5038.0%-2.0%

Best Value Markets Found by the Model

1X2: Draw @ 3.70EV +0.221
1X2: Columbus Crew Win @ 2.45EV +0.078
Over/Under 2.5: Over 2.5 @ 1.57EV +0.021

EV per £1 staked. Positive EV means this bet has mathematical edge over the long run. Past model accuracy is tracked on our predictions tracker.

Edge and EV are derived from model probabilities only and do not constitute financial advice. Odds fluctuate — always verify current prices with your bookmaker.

Things to Watch: CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew

  • ⚠️No bookmaker odds available at time of analysis, so value edges cannot be calculated.
  • ⚠️Recent form for both sides is poor, making the outcome less predictable.
  • ⚠️No injury or suspension data affecting starting lineups, but squad rotation close to fixture date could shift probabilities.

This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Betting involves risk — always gamble responsibly.

Final Verdict

CF Montreal 1–2 Columbus Crew

The model projects a 2-1 away win for Columbus Crew, with the strongest data point being both teams' high over 2.5 goal rates and defensive concession averages. The main risk is Montreal's occasional home resilience, especially if Columbus' attack misfires or the match stalls early.

CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew: Common Questions

Who will win CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew?

Columbus Crew are modelled as 44% likely to win, with Montreal at 23% and the draw at 33%. This is based on Columbus' superior away scoring rate and a favourable head-to-head record in recent years.

Will there be over 2.5 goals in CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew?

There's a 65% probability of over 2.5 goals, driven by both teams' high-scoring tendencies: Montreal's matches go over 2.5 in 66.7% of cases, Columbus' in 75%.

Are both teams likely to score in this match?

Yes, both teams to score is rated at 62%. Montreal have seen BTTS in four of their last five, and neither side keeps clean sheets in more than 17% of games.

How This Prediction Was Made

The numbers on this page come from a structured statistical pack for CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew: recent results and scoring data for both sides, home/away splits, the head-to-head record, current league standings, known injuries and live bookmaker odds, all sourced from the API-Football data feed.

This fixture was routed to The Numbers Desk, the statistical baseline — season-long rates, splits and distributions. An AI model running that profile analyses the pack and produces the probabilities, predicted score and written analysis shown above. Nothing is edited by hand, and no information outside the data pack is used.

Last updated: 12 September 2026 (refreshed automatically as new team data arrives). Every prediction is scored against the real result once the match finishes — see the verified track record or read the full methodology. Football is inherently uncertain: treat this page as analysis, not advice.

More CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew Resources