(Montreal) Several scenarios would allow CF Montreal to qualify for the MLS playoffs, but the team is focusing on the simplest of them.
The Bleu-blanc-noir has been going through a rather difficult period since the end of August, showing a record of 1-4-3 in its last eight outings, but it has managed to keep its destiny in its hands.
Installed in eighth place in the East, the first of two places giving access to the association’s qualifying match, the Montrealers only need a victory against the Crew in Columbus, Saturday evening, to maintain the status quo and host an elimination duel next week.
The task obviously promises to be difficult, as CF Montreal has only amassed eight points out of a possible 48 abroad this season and the Crew has only suffered one setback in MLS in front of its fans in 2023. Nevertheless, head coach Hernan Losada is convinced that his men will do everything possible to achieve this positive result.
“The current situation gives me confidence that we can win in Columbus. Just looking at the rankings gives a lot of motivation. The players train hard throughout the season to participate in matches like Saturday. It’s the best feeling and we hope to get the three points,” said Losada on Thursday before training at the Nutrilait Center.
For defender Joel Waterman, it is also a great opportunity to silence the denigrators. Many observers did not see the Montreal team fighting for the playoffs until the last day of the season.
“There aren’t many people who think we can make the playoffs. We talked about it within the group and it serves as motivation for us. People left us out of the picture several times this season and that was also the case last year. This is the time for us to go to Columbus, put our destiny in our hands and win,” Waterman said.
If victory were to elude the Bleu-blanc-noir, they could always punch their ticket to the playoffs with a draw and a little outside help. A loss combined with targeted draws could also be enough – even if it’s not the desired way to enter the playoffs.
By virtue of its 12 victories this season, CF Montreal holds the tiebreaker at the expense of the New York Red Bulls, Chicago Fire, Charlotte FC and New York City FC. The Red Bulls will travel to Nashville, the Fire will host NYCFC and Charlotte FC will play a second matchup in four days against Inter Miami CF.
Losada watched as North Carolina opened the door for his team by slipping away a victory in the 84e minute, Wednesday. The head coach, however, has no intention of looking at what happens elsewhere in MLS on Saturday.
“It is certain that I am not going to take the time to look at the results at half-time. And I hope we don’t need to watch them, Losada insisted. Obviously, I was very happy with the result in Miami, because it means that now it’s in our hands. If we win, we finish eighth and we play a playoff match at Saputo Stadium, where we are comfortable. »
Lots of goals in sight?
CF Montreal will also want to avenge a 4-2 home defeat suffered at the hands of the Crew at the beginning of September. However, he is coming back from a convincing 4-1 victory against the Portland Timbers, a little less than two weeks ago.
In that triumph, Losada decided to use a three-striker formation and the attacking chemistry between Kwadwo Opoku, Sunusi Ibrahim and Romell Quioto was undeniable.
The Montreal club now hopes to be able to repeat its offensive flights against the Crew, who are not afraid to open the game to score goals, but who also concede a lot.
“It’s the way the Crew plays. This is a team that takes risks. There will be free spaces like during our first duel. We will have to make sure we cover open spaces better and be more alert defensively. We will have to make sure to exploit their spaces. We have a good game plan and hopefully we can execute it well,” Waterman said.
Losada suggested he probably wouldn’t change his lineup for Saturday’s game and wouldn’t hesitate to put all his eggs in one basket on offense if the situation called for it.
The head coach indicated that Quebecer Mathieu Choinière returned from his stint with Canada with a minor injury and that he hoped the midfielder would be available against the Crew. He added that “on paper” all his players were available, except defender Robert Thorkelsson.