Abada's hat trick helps Charlotte beat Montreal 4-0, clinch MLS Cup playoff berth
Charlotte FC forward Idan Toklomati, right, moves the ball against CF Montreal defender Brayan Vera during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. Credit: AP/Nell Redmond
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — 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.
CF Montreal defender Luca Petrasso (13) battles Charlotte FC forward Rodolfo Aloko for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. Credit: AP/Nell Redmond
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.
