Zinckernagel and Cuypers score to lead Chicago Fire past CF Montreal 2-0

MONTREAL — CF Montreal’s five-game unbeaten run at Stade Saputo ended Saturday afternoon with a 2-0 loss to the Chicago Fire.

In that time, the club had scored 14 goals, advanced to the second round of the Canadian Championship, and fought its way back into the MLS Eastern Conference playoff picture.

Philip Zinckernagel and Hugo Cuypers scored for Chicago (7-2-4). The visitors completed the double over Montreal (4-1-8) this season, following a 3-0 win in the reverse fixture.

While Cuypers continued his impressive goal streak and is positioning himself as an MVP candidate, it was goalkeeper Chris Brady who stole the show. The American international made vital saves, especially in the second half and went on to earn Man of the Match honours.

“There are games that just happen like that, and unfortunately, it was against us. We had the chance to make a comeback and really heat the game up,” said Philippe Eullaffroy, who lost at home for the first time since being appointed Montreal’s interim head coach. “It’s not a feeling, it’s a certainty (Brady) played the game of his life.”

While Montreal opened the game with more control of the ball, Chicago was content to sit back and look to hit on the counterattack. The majority of the Fire’s threats came from the flanks, including the initial play for the opening goal.

In the 15th minute, Maren Haile-Selassie was played through while out wide and sent a ball in that — while intercepted by Brayan Vera — struck Jalen Neal on its way out. After the failed clearance, Zinckernagel was gifted a free shot inside the penalty area and finished into the bottom corner.

Montreal spent the remainder of the first half working on a way to get through Chicago’s low block, but could not create enough clear-cut chances to net an equalizer.

“Chicago’s two centre-backs were solid. We were creating a lot of danger, and I was getting involved in the final third so much, but we just couldn’t get that final pass off,” said Luca Petrasso. “I think our response (to conceding) in all our home games has been good. It’s still something to work on and learn from, games like this happen.”

Montreal cranked up its efforts in the second half with the unbeaten home streak on the line, pinning the Fire back even further into their defensive third. They found more success against the Chicago low block as well, generating shots on target and forcing several saves from Brady.

As in the first half, Chicago would strike against the run of play just before the hour mark. After receiving the ball in space, Zinckernagel was able to turn and pick out a streaking Cuypers, who scored his 13th goal in his last 10 MLS games.

From missing chances and failing to break down opposing defences to allowing avoidable goals against the run of play, the game bears striking resemblances to many of the defeats Montreal suffered last season. However, it’s not something immediately concerning the coaching staff.

“(Today’s result) is a one-off. They had two opportunities to score, and they took it,” said Eullaffroy. “We need to be more killer in the box and the final third. We touched the ball a lot in the box, but again, there may be a lack of confidence. If a forward feels he needs a second or third touch before shooting, it’s because he doesn’t feel confident enough to shoot the first time.”

In the final stages of the game, Montreal threw caution to the wind in hopes of generating a comeback, but was still unable to find a way through. As stoppage time expired, Daniel Rios thought he had at least brought Montreal back to within one, but Brady palmed his header away from the top corner, securing the clean sheet.

UP NEXT

Chicago: Hosts Toronto FC on Saturday, May 23.

Montreal: Visits D.C. United on Saturday, May 23.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 16, 2026.

Elias Grigoriadis, The Canadian Press