Danladi scores in stoppage time, Nashville ties Montreal 1-1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — CF Montreal coach Wilfried Nancy wants to see his side be better at holding onto leads and stop conceding late goals.

Montreal (3-3-4) gave up a goal to Nashville’s Abu Danladi in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage to settle for a 1-1 draw on Saturday night.

“A tie in Nashville is a good result also, but we need to improve to keep our advantage when we have a chance to do it,” said Nancy. “Don’t forget we have a young team. We need to learn about that. We knew that from the beginning. It’s a process again.

“Before the game, I would have said that a draw is not a bad result, but with the way this game played out, we have regrets. We have to make better decisions.”

Danladi headed home Jack Maher’s short cross from close range to help Nashville (3-1-6) earn its fifth come-from-behind result of the season.

Nancy felt the seven minutes of stoppage time tacked on to the end of the game, during which Danladi scored the equalizer, were excessive.

“I didn’t understand,” said Nancy. “Yes, there were stoppages during the game. But seven minutes, we were surprised. We asked for explanations.”

Aljaz Struna scored in the 63rd minute for Montreal, redirecting Djordje Mihailovic’s corner with the back of his head.

CF Montreal goalkeeper James Pantemis got the start in net with regular starter Clement Diop out (leg injury) for at least a few weeks. Diop was injured in Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with D.C. United.

“It’s always sad to see a teammate go down with an injury,” said Pantemis. “You don’t wish that to anyone. But personally, I take this opportunity to prove myself and show the club that they can trust me. I will take this challenge.

“I’m happy with most of my game. I would have liked to be clearer with my passes. I will work on that this week. The result is disappointing because we were solid defensively.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 26, 2021.

With files from The Associated Press.

The Associated Press