FC Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan isn’t calling Saturday’s match a “must-win,” but with nine regular-season games remaining and his squad just a point up on New York City for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, Cincinnati would prefer to pick up points at CF Montreal.
Cincinnati (8-8-9, 33 points), ninth in the conference, travels north of the border with points in back-to-back matches and in six of its last eight games.
“I think (what’s) important is recognizing points and what we’re trying to accomplish, because it is so tight,” Noonan said. “There’s playoff positioning — one, we’re trying to get in the playoffs. That’s just our reality, and the guys understand the urgency to pick up points.”
Due to the FIFA International Competition window, FC Cincinnati will be without six players, including leading scorer Kevin Denkey, who paces the club with 14 goals in 24 matches this season. Evander (13 goals) is available for selection, however.
Saturday marks the second and final regular-season meeting between Cincinnati and Montreal. Cincinnati won the previous meeting 4-3 at home on March 22 and has won four straight against Montreal.
CF Montreal (5-15-6, 21 points) are out to snap a five-match losing streak that’s dumped them into last place in the conference. Montreal’s last win came Aug. 19 against Columbus.
Like Cincinnati, Montreal’s roster is being hit by international call-ups, with nine players missing for Saturday’s match.
“The timing of the international break isn’t good,” Montreal coach Philippe Eullaffroy said. “In a position like ours, with nine players on international duty, it’s even harder to manage.”
Montreal will also be without captain Samuel Piette, who will miss the match due to suspension.
Prince Owusu leads CF Montreal this season with 13 goals and five assists in 24 matches.
Montreal’s last home win came May 9 — a 2-0 decision against Orlando City.
–Field Level Media
