Montreal Impact win first leg of semifinal vs. Columbus
The Montreal Impact celebrated a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, a 77th-minute strike by Johan Venegas proving the difference on the night at Stade Saputo.
Venegas, who came into the match as a substitute for fellow goal-scorer Patrice Bernier, stripped the ball off of Crew defender Michael Parkhurst before rushing at and beating goalkeeper Steve Clark with a strike at the edge of the box.
On-fire forward Didier Drogba looked to have opened the scoring in the first half after muscling his way through the Columbus back line, but his goal was ruled off for a handball call.
Instead, Drogba played provider to open the scoring, but for the wrong team as he served a ball over to Crew midfielder Federico Higuain in the box for the Argentine to finish with ease. But, Bernier and Venegas struck in each half to secure the win at Stade Saputo.
Related - VIDEOS: Federico Higuain, Patrice Bernier trade goals 4 minutes apart
Being away from home in the first leg of a two-game series against the Impact, Higuain's goal was rather important for his side - away goals are the first tiebreaker for the MLS Playoffs Conference Semifinal round.
Still, Montreal holds a one-goal advantage and goes into Mapfre Stadium next Sunday full of confidence, seeking a first-ever Eastern Conference Finals berth.
It's not the only thing Montreal holds, however: