Abada’s hat trick helps Charlotte beat Montreal 4-0, clinch MLS Cup playoff berth
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
- Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
*Your next Free Press subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Liel Abada scored a career-high three goals in a 15-minute span and Charlotte FC beat CF Montreal 4-0 on Wednesday night to clinch a berth in the 2026 MLS Cup playoffs.
Idan Toklomati had a goal and an assist for Charlotte (14-10-8), which snapped a three-game winless streak. Pep Biel added three assists.
Abada had his first career hat trick and the third in club history, joining Toklomati and Daniel Rios.
Montreal (6-19-7) is winless, with four losses, in its last five. Montreal has the fewest points (25) and worst goal differential (minus-30) in the Eastern Conference.
Toklomati opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Allan Saint-Maximin, near the left corner of the penalty box, spun toward the end line to evade a defender and then played a perfectly-placed cross to Toklomati for a header from the center of the area.
Abada subbed on for Rodolfo Aloko in the 65th minute and scored goals in the 67th, 79th and 83rd. The 25-year-old forward has all of his career-high eight goals this season since the All-Star break.
Kristijan Kahlina had one save for Charlotte.
Samsy Keita stopped three shots for Montreal. The 17-year-old made his second consecutive start.
Up next
Montreal: Plays Saturday at New York City FC.
Charlotte: Hosts Orlando on Halloween.
___
See AP’s full MLS coverage here