(Montreal) CF Montreal did enough to win when they returned to action on Sunday, but the level will have to be raised to overcome their next opponent.
Despite more than three weeks without a game, the Bleu-blanc-noir displayed exemplary offensive cohesion in the first half of their 3-2 victory over Toronto FC. The second half, however, fell short of expectations.
If they had a little more leeway against one of the worst teams in MLS, the Montrealers will need a much fuller 90 minutes when they host the New England Revolution at Saputo Stadium on Saturday. .
“The attacking dynamic was very good and very clear in the first half. Building from the back too and we weren’t making any mistakes from the second half. In terms of concentration and discipline, the first half was very good. We scored two goals, but with the possibility of scoring more. That’s what we want,” observed CF Montreal head coach Hernan Losada.
The Argentine is right to want that early game back because his side aren’t quite the same when they hold the lead. CF Montreal (10-12-2) recorded their 10 wins this season after scoring the first goal of a game.
This first goal could prove to be even more important against the Revolution (12-4-7), who had no complex during the last clash between the two teams, on April 8. The New England troops had easily triumphed 4-0 at Gillette Stadium.
Now that the duel will take place at Stade Saputo, where the Bleu-blanc-noir has had a lot of success this season, defender Aaron Herrera hopes the result will be reversed.
“Already we will play at home so we will be better prepared,” he explained. We can’t look too much at our last clash against them because I believe we know more about us now. When we manage to take the lead, it brings another level of energy, especially for the offensive players. You see them coming back more intensely on defense and pressing more intensely. It changes the mentality. »
Despite a presence in the round of 16 of the Coupe des Ligues, the Revolution finds itself in much the same situation experienced by the Montrealers last week.
The men of deputy Richie Williams, who is replacing Bruce Arena while MLS investigates allegations of inappropriate remarks, have not played since August 7. They are also struggling with several injuries, including that of star forward Gustavo Bou, who is currently in Argentina recovering from a leg injury.
“We had a bad game in New England and it wasn’t a good time for us. They were in very good shape. It’s been a long time since they’ve played and there are a few doubts, but they’re still a difficult and mature opponent. Revolution are still second in the Eastern Conference so that says enough about them,” Losada said.
CF Montreal is 11 points off that second echelon, but more importantly, it’s embroiled in a six-team battle for the final playoff spots in the East.
“We don’t need to look at the standings to know what’s at stake. Every point counts and every home game is important because we are much better in front of our fans than away,” argued Herrera.
“The next game is always the most important. As of now, there are 10 finals to go,” added Losada.