A Late Surge in the Capital
The MLS clash at Washington's Audi Field lived up to its billing, featuring ten goals and a flurry of late drama that left both sides reflecting on missed opportunities.
D.C. United opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Louis Munteanu found the net, giving the hosts an early 1‑0 lead. Ten minutes later, Jared Stroud doubled the advantage with his first goal of the season, extending the margin to 2‑0.
Montreal responded before halftime. Tai Baribo converted a penalty in the 51st minute after Brayan Vera's foul, pulling the visitors within one. The momentum shifted again when Lucas Bartlett struck in the 87th minute, restoring D.C.'s two‑goal cushion at 3‑1.
The visitors refused to surrender. Prince Owusu, who had already contributed two goals, completed a hat‑trick with a stoppage‑time penalty, leveling the score at 3‑3. Moments later, Hennadii Synchuk added the equaliser in the 92nd minute, his first goal of the campaign, to seal a 4‑4 draw.
Both goalkeepers were busy. Thomas Gillier made six saves in his 21st start for Montreal, while Sean Johnson recorded four stops for D.C., a performance that kept the capital side unbeaten in six straight matches.
Montreal's road record improved to 1‑6‑1, but the point earned under interim coach Philippe Eullaffroy marks a modest turnaround, as the team sits 3‑2‑2 since his appointment on April 12.
Historically, the series between the two clubs is now dead‑locked at 10‑10‑12, underscoring the competitive balance that has defined their recent meetings.