The MLS season is still young, but CF Montreal’s next game is definitely in the category of points not to be missed.
On the back of two satisfying performances at home, the Montreal troops are now heading to Kansas City to put their short streak of success on the line against Sporting on Saturday night.
Occupying 15e and last place in the Eastern Association, the Bleu-blanc-noir is not in a position to take anyone lightly, but it finds in its path an opponent who is even more in difficulty than him since the beginning of the campaign.
Things are not going well in Kansas City. Sporting (0-6-3) not only have the worst record in the league, they also have the worst offense in MLS with three goals in nine games.
As CF Montreal (2-6-0) comes back from two shutout wins, including one in MLS against the New York Red Bulls, the equation seems easy, but Hernan Losada’s men refuse to fall for the trap .
“It doesn’t change our preparation to face the worst offense in the league. There are no easy games in MLS, insisted defender Joel Waterman. They beat us last year and they weren’t in their best streak either. We know what they can do against us and we have to be ready to go and win on the road. »
The loss Waterman is referring to is still very fresh in the memory of team members and fans alike.
On a beautiful July evening at the Saputo stadium, Sporting, which was also in last place in the Western Association at the time, came to steal the victory from CF Montreal. A highly publicized feud ensued between team owner Joey Saputo and head coach Wilfried Nancy.
To tell the truth, Sporting has often had the Bleu-blanc-noir number.
On March 30, 2019, in Kansas City, the Montrealers suffered a 7-1 thaw, the worst in club history. They have won just one win against Sporting since the start of the 2014 season (1-6-2) and they haven’t won at Children’s Mercy Park since June 1, 2013.
And even though Sporting has yet to triumph in MLS in 2023, it is coming off a 3-0 victory over Tulsa Athletic on Tuesday in the third round of the United States Soccer Cup.
“I think they deserved more points than what they currently have in the standings. I think their style resembles that of the Red Bulls. It’s a team that presses a lot, has a lot of energy and attacking qualities with (Alan) Pulido and (Johnny) Russell, Losada pointed out. They are also difficult matches when you have to go abroad, especially when you have to move west. We will have to be focused and give as much effort as last week. »
While keeping respect for the formation of Kansas City, CF Montreal can still project forward. After Saturday’s match, he will then cross swords with Orlando SC and Toronto FC, twice.
Orlando SC is currently in the ninth and last echelon giving access to the playoffs in the East while the Torontonians are in 12th place. The Montreal players have the impression that these next confrontations are to be taken, including the one against Sporting.
“I think it’s a good way to build momentum. The last two shutouts gave us confidence. We have been good in training and we have a positive spirit. Anything can happen in MLS and the three points would allow us to create that little push,” said defender George Campbell.
Already having to deal with several injuries, Losada will also have to find a replacement for midfielder Ilias Iliadis on the left side. Iliadis received a red card last Saturday and will have to serve a one-match suspension.
In training earlier this week, Losada used Ariel Lassiter in that role, but nothing has been confirmed.
“We’ll see who’s going to play there,” said the head coach. Every time there are suspensions or injured players, it complicates our balance. Some players will be used in a position where they are not the best, but sometimes that is what is best for the team. »