CF Montreal’s start to the season has tested fans’ patience, but now they’ve built a small five-point cushion in the standings heading into another big week.
Vice-President and Chief Sports Officer Olivier Renard raised eyebrows when he said that the goal was not to win the MLS Cup, that the Bleu-blanc-noir’s claim was more focused on participation in the series.
With nine games remaining – nine finals, as head coach Hernan Losada describes them – the Montrealers currently sit eighth in the East and that first goal is within reach.
CF Montreal overcame losing streaks, injuries, road mishaps and busy schedule to get into this position. A position to play important matches. And he has responded since his early elimination from the League Cup by signing two victories in a row.
“I even feel like we played two seasons in one. Our current 11 is completely different from the one at the start of the season. Some players left, others arrived and needed time to adapt. I hope the patience will pay off. Now is the best time of the year and it’s important to play for something until the end, to stay competitive,” Losada said during a Monday morning media availability.
The Argentinian is telling the truth when he talks about his starting 11. Only in central defense, CF Montreal traded Rudy Camacho and Kamal Miller, who started the first game of the campaign against Inter Miami CF on February 25. Also starting in this clash, striker Romell Quioto hasn’t played since mid-May due to injury, goalkeeper James Pantemis lost his job to Jonathan Sirois and veteran Victor Wanyama is under. less used in midfield in recent weeks.
It is rather the young people who have taken over. 22-year-old midfielder Bryce Duke and 22-year-old striker Kwadwo Opoku were acquired during the season and made a big impact on the roster. 20-year-old forward Jules-Anthony Vilsaint is coming off his first two MLS starts.
The trio showed great things offensively during the last two victories for the Montrealers and cohesion is slowly starting to settle.
“We are three hungry kids who want to make a difference and make a name for ourselves in the league,” Duke said. I think we’ve been playing very well lately. We are technical, Opoku and Vilsaint are quick. It’s a very good partnership when someone brings something and the other person brings something else. We will try to keep scoring goals and see where that takes us. »
For now, that will take them to Yankee Stadium in New York on Wednesday night. The Montreal team will not only have the opportunity to solidify their place in the playoffs by winning, but also to keep New York City FC, who currently sit at No. 13 in the East, six points from a place in the East. fall tournament.
It couldn’t be more important for CF Montreal, who have won only two away wins this season and will have the daunting task of facing MLS’s best attack, the Columbus Crew, a few days later. later, in Montreal.
“It would be wonderful to continue this momentum because we know this is an important week. The only thing you don’t want to do against NYCFC is give them hope of getting back in the standings,” Losada insisted.
Injured in training during the gameless break, striker Ariel Lassiter will be available for Wednesday’s game. Defender Aaron Herrera is expected to miss a few games with a non-contact ankle injury on Thursday, although a detailed schedule has not been revealed.
In Saturday night’s win over the New England Revolution, CF Montreal relied six Quebecers in their starting 11, a first in MLS history.
This is a source of great pride for the players, the coaches and the organization in general, which has never hidden its intentions to develop young people and make room for players from the Academy.
“It’s nice to have so many Quebecers on the field. In addition, we feel that it brings fans to the Saputo stadium. It shows that we don’t have to go anywhere to get quality players. There are high-level players here in the province,” said Mathieu Choinière, who progressed through several levels of the Academy before joining the professional club.
“We are very happy to give so many opportunities to local players and they did not play only because they are Quebecers,” added Losada. They are motivated and they want to prove to themselves that they are capable of playing at this level. It’s a situation that makes you proud. »
