CF Montreal midfielder Lassi Lappalainen (21) is congratulated by teammates on his goal against Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Steve Clark (12) in the final seconds of play during second half MLS soccer action on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
MONTREAL – Lassi Lappalainen scored a 97th-minute equalizer as CF Montreal played to a 1-1 draw against the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday night and earned a crucial point in the Major League Soccer playoff race.
Artur scored the lone goal for Houston (12-11-9). Montreal (11-16-5) is now winless in its last seven games.
Montreal went on the attack early with Romell Quioto finding two excellent chances inside the first five minutes. However, Artur struck first for Houston against the run of play in the 10th minute.
After benefiting from a cheap giveaway from the defence, Artur found a free shot at the top of the penalty area and sent a perfect strike off the post and in.
Having gone up 1-0, Houston dropped into a very conservative low block, content to play out the rest of the first half with more players behind the ball. Montreal found success in gaining possession in advanced positions but could not make the final play to unlock the defence.
Montreal struggled to create any chances for the majority of the second half, failing to break down Houston’s defensive shape. But on the last kick of the game, it finally broke that barrier.
After receiving the ball from a corner, Lappalainen was able to pick out the bottom right corner with the outside of his foot, sending Stade Saputo into raptures.
Both teams will be back in action on Saturday in front of their home crowds as Montreal will welcome the Portland Timbers while New York returns to Shell Energy Stadium and hosts Charlotte FC.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 4, 2023.
