Let’s say it: it’s a miracle that CF Montreal is still in the playoff race. Because his defeat on Saturday evening, a resounding 3-0 in Orlando, only prolonged the torture that is the end of the season.
The Impact has not won since August 26: it is six games in a row without a victory. And for the second game in a row, Montreal was completely outclassed by a top-of-the-table opponent in the East.
How does Hernán Losada explain these two recent defeats, which also include the scathing 4-1 against Atlanta last week?
First of all, the technician underlines that away matches have been the thorn in the side of CF Montreal – and several other clubs in MLS – this season.
But he also mentions “the level of the other team”, and that of his own.
“We are going to be very critical of ourselves, we are going to think carefully about our match,” underlines the head coach. But the team opposite is also playing, they have good players, and are in a good position in the standings. »
Mason Toye, who came on at half-time to replace the incumbent Romell Quioto, admits to finding the situation in which the club finds itself, offensively, “difficult”.
“If I had an answer [to solve our offensive problems], things would be much better! he blurted out with a smirk. […] If we can have a little luck and see the ball hit the back of the net, the goals will come. »
Montreal has a golden opportunity to right the ship next Wednesday and Saturday, with two consecutive games at home. And everyone we spoke to after Saturday’s match is aware of the importance of these two meetings.
“Basically, it’s our points at home that allow us to be where we are,” recalls Hernán Losada. It’s not just Atlanta and tonight. It’s generally a difficult season for us away from home. […] Our next two matches at home are crucial for our future. And I am sure that we will have two good matches and that we will make the playoffs. »
Unlike the Bleu-blanc-noir, the Orlando Lions look like kings of the jungle these days. They roared three times on Saturday, including two beautiful strikes from Dagur Thórhallsson (50th) and Facundo Torres (54th). The first goal for the locals came from an own goal from Jonathan Sirois in the 19th, while the ball hit by Facundo Torres in the area bounced off the post, then onto the back of the goalkeeper already on the ground.
The effectiveness of the ramparts has been beneficial this season for Montreal. When the goals did not come, at least the defense was able to limit the opposing chances. But in the last two matches, nothing worked, neither in front nor behind.
“It’s complicated,” agrees midfielder Nathan Saliba.
Samuel Piette sent a concrete message last Saturday after the spanking received in Atlanta (4-1). He had questioned the tactical solutions deployed by his coaches. Hernán Losada responded this week that he actually needed to establish “more realistic game plans,” among other things.
Saliba confirms that “everyone explained themselves” after the captain’s comments, that it was “resolved very, very quickly”.
Speaking of which, did the team have extra motivation in the Orlando game? “It’s not something that affected us today,” says the Quebecer, who emphasizes that “everyone was on the same page to do well.”
Based on other MLS results on Saturday, Montreal moved from 8th to 9th, tied at 37 points with D.C. (10th) and Chicago (11th). As they say, it gets hot.
Despite everything, “hope remains intact,” maintains the head coach of CF Montreal.
“We worked very, very hard to be where we are now, and it would be a shame if we didn’t believe in our chances of making the playoffs. We want to do it for our supporters. We have to stay together. »
When his teammates jog, Mathieu Choinière runs. Even in the most difficult moments for his club, the Quebec midfielder tries to set an example with his work ethic. It was Choinière’s 100th match for the Bleu-blanc-noir: he became the first player from the academy to reach this plateau.
As number 10, Bryce Duke should be the main creator of the Montreal offense. But the Montreal offensive creates absolutely nothing. He is not the only culprit for the deficient chemistry of the CFM in the final third, but he does not provide concrete solutions either.
