CF Montreal | Defense under construction

Before the start of the campaign, there were a few question marks in the CF Montreal camp. The questions ranged from “who will score the goals?” to “Are young people ready to reach the next level?” » or even « how will the transition between the game proposed by Wilfried Nancy and that of Hernán Losada take place? “, For example.

But one aspect did not generate the slightest hassle, the defense. The starting goalkeeper, the three central defenders and one of the two full-backs were back. Not to mention the two defensive midfielders Samuel Piette and Victor Wanyama, also present.

And if the attack has been particularly flat in the first seven meetings, the same could be said for the defense. Before going any further, of course, there were injuries, suspensions, newcomers and even a transaction, but the results were not there. The Impact has allowed the most goals in the league (17) and sits at the top for expected goals against (15.6). Disturbing performance.

At least until recently.

For two consecutive games, the Bleu-blanc-noir managed to preserve a shutout. The most disillusioned will say that they were obtained against a semi-professional club (Vaughan Azzurri) and a team that had run out of steam offensively (New York Red Bulls). TRUE. However, the defense limited the chances, which they have struggled to do since the start of the campaign.

An electroshock in spite of himself

There is no correlation between the departure of Kamal Miller and the defensive results of the team, but since the trade, the defense has started to find its bearings. There is now a competition within the group for the positions of central defenders, which were acquired before.

Rudy Camacho kept his position at the center of the center hinge, however the other pieces moved. Joel Waterman, who has so far played on the right, moved to the left, while Gabriele Corbo was inserted on the right. But nothing is set in stone yet, confirmed CFM head coach Hernán Losada. “We will go there with the players who will give us the best chance of winning,” he said last week on this subject.

Among those who want to shake up the hierarchy is George Campbell. The 21-year-old American, acquired from Atlanta United during the off-season, believes he has his place in the starting XI now that he is back from a nasty ankle injury.

“The competition is very healthy and it’s a good thing to have so many very good centre-backs. I’m confident in my abilities, so I feel like I can help the team as much as anyone, if not more. »

Another who has something to play for is Róbert Thorkelsson, the only left-hander who can play in central defense. For now, Waterman is playing this role. A responsibility that comes with its share of challenges, but a touch of familiarity for the 27-year-old Canadian.

“I’m starting to find my game, but it’s difficult to adjust to this left side, he admitted Thursday, before training. It will take me some time to create games and open the game on this side. […] But on the defensive side, it’s the same thing. I have to win heads, duels and position myself well. »

Olivier Renard, sporting director and vice-president of the club, explained that it is a bit like that, his plan. Developing young players like Corbo, Campbell and Thorkelsson around veterans. He is finally in motion.

The defense will have another opportunity to gain confidence. On Saturday, she will cross swords with Sporting Kansas City, which has the worst offense in the Garber circuit.