Though the Vancouver Whitecaps have the top seed in the Western Conference locked up, they’re not overlooking their opponent as they visit CF Montreal for Decision Day on Saturday.
Vancouver (18-8-7, 61 points) will look to close out the MLS regular season with a third straight victory and avenge a Canadian Championship loss to Montreal in September.
“Even though (CF Montreal) have not had the best results, they have some good players that can make a difference,” Whitecaps coach Jesper Sorensen said.
“They have some strengths that we have to look into, and obviously we have to be good ourselves.”
In MLS play, the Whitecaps are out to extend their unbeaten streak over Canadian opponents to nine matches (currently 6-0-2).
Forward Brian White, who scored his 100th goal as a Whitecap on Sunday, paces Vancouver with 20 goals in 31 games this season.
Vancouver and CF Montreal last met in MLS play last season, with the Whitecaps earning a 2-0 victory at BC Place.
CF Montreal (6-19-8, 26 points) sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table but will try to close out their MLS season on a winning note after snapping a two-game skid with a 1-1 draw against New York City FC on Oct. 31.
Daniel Rios scored the equalizer in stoppage time as Montreal played spoiler against New York City, who were eliminated from playoff contention that day.
Montreal topped Vancouver 2-1 at home back on Sept. 16 to advance in the Canadian Championship.
A win on Saturday would allow Montreal to surpass last season’s mark of 28 points.
“It’s motivation,” interim head coach Philippe Eullaffroy said. “We all want to do better than last year, even if it means something symbolic. It’s an extra motivation to surpass last year’s mark.”
Forward Prince Owusu paces Montreal with 15 goals in 26 games this season.
“There’s nothing better than transitioning to next season by finishing off on a high note, so that’s really the mindset for Saturday,” Eullaffroy added.
–Field Level Media
