CHARLESTON, S.C. – FC Montreal took its second consecutive victory as it took a 3-1 win against the charleston Battery on Saturday night at MUSC Health Stadium behind a goal and assist apiece for Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla and Anthony Jackson-Hamel. Charleston had the first big chance in the 34th minute when Romario Williams broke in on goal, but Montreal goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau made an outstanding save to deny him and turn the shot aside. Moment later, the visitors took the lead as Jackson-Hamel tapped home Jean-Yves Tabla’s pass after a clever move at the edge of the penalty area. Montreal doubled its advantage just beyond the hour-mark as Tabla added a goal to his earlier assist with a good finish after a defensive error. Charleston pulled itself back into the game with 12 minutes to go when Maikel Chang scored after a cross was deflected to him in the right side of the penalty area, but Montreal wrapped up victory with five minutes to go as Louis Beland-Goyette benefited from a good effort by Jackson-Hamel to keep possession alive in the penalty area for a curled finish.

Scoring:  
39’ – MTL – Anthony Jackson-Hamel (Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla)
64’ – MTL – Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla
78’ – CHS – Maikel Chang
85’ – MTL – Louis Beland-Goyette (Anthony Jackson-Hamel)

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. Montreal took its second victory in a week after Wednesday night’s romp against Pittsburgh as its late-season turnaround continued for its fourth win of the season. At the center of it again was some delightful play in and around the area, with Mastanabal Kacher’s backheel to set up the opening goal illustrative of the imagination the side has when given the chance to get forward. Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla and Anthony Jackson-Hamel finished with a goal and assist apiece, as they continued to shine brightly.

• 2. Charleston, meanwhile, looked very out of sorts for a side that is competing for a top-four place in the Eastern Conference. The Battery have been prone to letdowns at times this season, with Saturday marking the seventh time this season the team’s usually strong defense has given up multiple goals in a game. With a trip to Richmond up next on Wednesday night, the Battery will need to be much better if it’s to overcome its longtime rival.

• 3. Montreal’s win on Saturday night allowed it to continue to hold the upper hand between the two sides since FCMTL joined the USL last season. The Battery have yet to take victory against Montreal in the three meetings between the teams, a strange situation that Charleston will have the chance to rectify next month in Montreal. For the young Montreal side, however, that stat is a sign that all of their upcoming opponents will have to keep an eye on the threat they pose.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Anthony Jackson-Hamel, FC Montreal – Jackson-Hamel scored the opening goal, and made the extra effort that opened up chances for his teammates consistently during the contest as Montreal sprang a road surprise.

Upcoming Games:

Charleston Battery at Richmond Kickers – August 17, 7:30 p.m. ET, City Stadium

FC Montreal vs. Bethlehem Steel FC – August 21, 3 p.m. ET, Complexe Sportif Claude-Robillard