The Calgary Stampeders try to slow Montreal Alouettes wide receiver Regis Cibasu at McMahon Stadium on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
In a nail-biting CFL clash at McMahon Stadium, Jose Maltos became the hero Montreal needed. His booming 58-yard field goal with just 1:10 left on the clock gave the Montreal Alouettes a stunning 23-21 win over the Calgary Stampeders on Thursday night.
Maltos Delivers Under Pressure
Kicking the longest field goal of his CFL career, Maltos nailed a 58-yarder that left the home crowd stunned and Montreal’s sideline erupting. The Mexican-born kicker was swarmed by teammates as he returned to the locker room to chants of “Olé, Olé, Olé!”
“It feels good – important game, important kick,” said Maltos. “Every kick is big for me. This one really mattered.”
Maltos also scored four other field goals, a convert, and an 88-yard single. His all-around performance earned praise from head coach Jason Maas, who called the game-winner “one of the best kicks I’ve seen.”
McLeod Bethel-Thompson Leads the Charge
Montreal quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson completed 30 of 40 passes for 280 yards. He threw one touchdown to Chris Spieker and had one interception.
“Man, we needed that one,” Bethel-Thompson said. “It feels amazing to do my job and see Jose finish it that way.”
The Alouettes improved to 5-2 with the win, matching Calgary’s record and gaining valuable momentum.
Mills Powers Early Calgary Lead
The Stampeders started strong behind Dedrick Mills, who rushed for two touchdowns. Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. threw a 33-yard TD pass to Dominique Rhymes and connected with Erik Brooks for a two-point conversion.
But Calgary's offense lost steam in the fourth quarter. Head coach Dave Dickenson admitted, “We ran the ball well for three quarters, but not the fourth. That’s when it really counts.”
Adams Injured, Momentum Shifts
Adams suffered a hard hit late in the third quarter from Montreal linebacker Tyrice Beverette. Though Adams walked off the field, he was evaluated for a head injury and didn’t return.
“He went in the tent and didn’t come back,” said Dickenson. “It’s something that can happen, and it did.”
His absence slowed Calgary’s rhythm and opened the door for Montreal’s comeback.
Big Plays, Big Moments
The game featured several momentum-shifting plays:
- Adrian Green, Calgary’s defensive back, intercepted Bethel-Thompson’s pass for his league-leading fourth pick. That set up Mills' first TD for a 6-0 lead.
- Tyler Snead made a highlight-reel 42-yard diving catch that led to Maltos’ first field goal.
- Adams responded with a 77-yard drive, ending in a TD pass to Rhymes, extending the lead to 13-3.
Montreal countered with an eight-play, 77-yard drive, capped by Spieker’s seven-yard TD grab. On the kickoff, Maltos added an 88-yard single, cutting the lead to 13-11.
With no time left in the first half, Maltos hit a 36-yarder to give Montreal a 14-13 lead heading into the break.
Fourth Quarter Comeback Seals It
Calgary opened the second half with another scoring drive, and Mills added a nine-yard rushing TD. A successful two-point conversion gave the Stamps a 21-14 cushion.
But the Alouettes clawed back. Maltos booted field goals from 28 and 20 yards in the fourth quarter, narrowing the deficit to just one point.
Then came the final dagger — a towering 58-yard game-winner by Maltos.
Final Score: Montreal 23, Calgary 21
With this win, the Alouettes showed grit, poise, and the ability to finish strong. Jose Maltos emerged as the game-changer, reminding the CFL that clutch kickers can win games.
Montreal walks away with confidence, while Calgary is left to regroup.
