It has been a struggle, to say the least, for CF Montreal, which is one of only two MLS clubs still yet to taste victory, along with the defending champion Los Angeles Galaxy.
CF Montreal aims to finally break their winless start when they visit the New York Red Bulls on Saturday at Harrison, N.J.
Montreal (0-6-3, 3 points) has scored a league low four goals, two of which came in its first match of the season.
They have been shut out six times, including each of their past two outings, while playing to a 0-0 draw against Orlando City last Saturday after falling 1-0 to Charlotte FC on April 12.
The draw against Orlando was especially demoralizing, with the club outplaying their opponent. Montreal finished with notable advantages in possession (55.2 percent), shot attempts (13-9), shots on goal (7-2), corners (8-2) and total crosses (19-1).
“It’s frustrating, and you know you’re leaving important points on the table, especially at a time when things aren’t going well for you,” Montreal midfielder Samuel Piette said. ” … I think we’re doing a lot of good things that the message in the room is sooner or later it will pay off, with hope it’ll be sooner.”
Forward Prince Owusu leads the team with two goals, including the club’s last tally in their 2-1 loss to the Columbus Crew on April 5.
The Red Bulls, meanwhile, will look to rebound after falling 2-1 to D.C. United last week, and will need to do so without defender Dylan Nealis, who left the match after 37 minutes with a hamstring injury and will be out 8-10 weeks.
The right back has played eight matches this season and started seven of those, proving to be a key part of the back line.
“It’s tough when we got this news,” New York coach Sandro Schwarz said. “That’s the situation. He’s a very reliable player for us, but now we have to find a solution.”
The Red Bulls will get some help with defender Kyle Duncan set to make his season debut. The 27-year-old hasn’t played since Aug. 31, 2024, after a knee injury that required surgery.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting leads the Red Bulls with four goals.
The Red Bulls (3-3-3, 12 points) have fared well historically when hosting Montreal, going 12-2-1 at home against the Canadian side. They’ve enjoyed the comforts of home thus far this season, with a 3-1-1 record.
–Field Level Media
