Bjorn Johnsen brace fires CF Montreal past Inter Miami

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:07 am

Bjorn Johnsen's first two goals of his MLS career lifted CF Montreal to a 2-0 victory over host Inter Miami on Wednesday night in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Johnsen, a 29-year-old Norwegian international who was born in New York City and raised in North Carolina, ended a scoring drought for the Impact, who had been shut out in their previous two matches.

Montreal snapped a three-match winless streak despite enduring a two-hour, 21-minute weather delay after the game was halted in the 47th minute. Miami finished with a possession edge for the first time this season (51.9 percent), but Montreal had the advantage in shots (11-6) and shots on goal (4-1).

- ESPN+: MLS chat and more on ESPN FC Daily (U.S. only)

- Which MLS youngsters are ready for Europe?

Inter Miami had its three-match unbeaten streak snapped and is still seeking its first victory at home this season. Miami was blanked for the second time this season and has scored only one goal in its past three matches.

Johnsen put Montreal -- again playing without forwards Mason Toye (thigh) and Luis Binks -- on the board in the 14th minute.

Johnsen capitalized on a great feed from Djordje Mihailovic, who slid the ball to him as he sped through two Miami defenders into the box. Johnsen quickly angled a left-footed shot past Miami goalkeeper John McCarthy.

Miami recorded its lone shot on goal in the 24th minute, prompting a diving save from Montreal goalkeeper James Pantemis.

Bjorn Johnsen
Bjorn Johnsen
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

But a giveaway inside its own half by Miami defender Leandro Gonzalez Pirez led to a second Montreal goal a minute later.

Montreal forward Romell Quioto took possession of the ball, dribbled deep into the 18-yard box and crossed it to Johnson, who redirected it just enough for it to roll past McCarthy, off the far post and in.

Mihailovic was forced to leave the match in the 37th minute after suffering what appeared to be a leg injury.

Both teams will play on the road next as Montreal faces Atlanta United on Saturday night while Inter Miami takes on FC Cincinnati on Sunday.