This season, CF Montreal has done fairly well against the teams at the top of the rankings, which can be encouraging before facing the best team in Major League Soccer (MLS), FC Cincinnati.
This year, the Blue, White and Black defeated the Eastern Conference’s biggest clubs, including Orlando City SC, the New England Revolution and the Philadelphia Union.
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Cincinnati easily defeated Montreal 3-0 when visiting TQL Stadium in May. The scenario could be different at the Saputo Stadium, where the players had enough inspiration to achieve big victories against the giants of their association.
“When we play at home, the team is good. With the fans behind them, there is a pleasant atmosphere, explained head coach Hernan Losada at a press conference on Monday. I’m pleasantly surprised and it gives a “boost” to all players. We hope that while Cincinnati is currently the best team in the league, […] We’ll have a good game.”
When it comes to the Ohio club, one player stands out: Luciano Acosta. In fact, he stood out so much that he was named Player of the Month for July and August. The attacking midfielder has 13 goals and eight assists to his name this season.
But what makes it so dangerous?
“Everything,” said defenseman Joel Waterman. His talent, his vision, his movements without the ball, his ability to create chances for his teammates, to score goals… he does it all. He is one of the best players in the league and we have to neutralize him. It will be a big change for our defense and for the entire team.”
The Argentine also scored against Montreal in the spring after a mix-up occurred in defense.
There are still points on the table
On Saturday, the CFM had to settle for a 0-0 draw against the Chicago Fire in Chicago. Nineteen shots were attempted, but none made it into the net.
“We feel like we dropped points at home. We deserved a better result against Chicago. I think we had our chances, but it didn’t work out to our advantage. It’s happening and we have to look to Cincinnati,” Waterman admitted.
“We are confident of taking it home. We must continue at this pace. We should have won against Chicago, so we really have to push for three points,” added George Campbell, who was almost the one who broke the stalemate against the Fire.
With 36 points in 28 games, CF Montreal’s participation in the playoffs is not yet guaranteed. His current eighth place guarantees him at least one play-off game. Cincinnati sits first in the East with 58 points and has lost just four times in 2023.