Alexis Sánchez stars as Montreal draws 1-1 with Vancouver Whitecaps

Alexis Sánchez changed the rhythm of the match after coming off the bench, but CF Montreal could not hold on to its lead against Vancouver Whitecaps. The teams drew 1-1 at BC Place in the first leg of the Canadian Championship semifinals.

Vancouver took a surprising lead in the 15th minute. Venezuelan midfielder Daniel Pereira intercepted the ball near halfway as the Whitecaps tried to play out, then struck a left-footed shot that caught Montreal goalkeeper Isaac Boehmer off his line.

Montreal spent much of the match trying to protect the advantage while Vancouver controlled possession and pressed for an equalizer. The second half brought the arrival of two prominent names. Thomas Müller entered for Vancouver in the 46th minute, while Sánchez came on for Montreal in the 57th.

Sánchez quickly became involved and appeared to put Montreal 2-0 ahead after 10 minutes on the field. The goal did not stand because his provider, Prince Uwusu, was offside. Vancouver eventually found its equalizer through Ryan Gauld in the 72nd minute.

The semifinal will be decided in the return match in Montreal on Wednesday, September 16, with the kickoff time still to be confirmed. Montreal played without goalkeeper Thomas Gillier.