The reported league positions underline the pressure:
Montreal’s reported victory at Columbus on 19 August ended an eight-game winless run, but the update says they have taken only one point from five league matches since. That leaves them with one win in their last 14 MLS fixtures.
Both teams reportedly won 2-1 in midweek. Montreal defeated Vancouver to reach the Canadian Championship final, with Prince Owusu credited with both goals. His reported team-leading MLS total gives Montreal a clear attacking outlet despite their league struggles.
Columbus also beat Orlando City 2-1 to reach the US Open Cup final. The result reportedly included a goal for Josef Martinez, who had gone seven league appearances without scoring since joining the Crew. That breakthrough could matter if Columbus carry greater confidence into the weekend.
The recent results point towards an open contest. The reported 2-1 cup wins, combined with Montreal’s previous victory at Columbus, provide a case for over 2.5 goals and both teams to score.
Montreal’s result-based angle is stronger than their league record might suggest because of that reported August win at the Crew. However, Columbus’ home advantage and cup lift make a straightforward away victory difficult to trust.
The report says both teams will contest their domestic cup finals on 21 October. Before then, this MLS meeting will show whether cup progress can translate into league momentum-or merely delay a wider reset.