CF Montreal have one last chance to recover on Saturday ahead of the long break in Major League Soccer (MLS). Even if things aren’t going particularly well these days, it’s best to keep calm for now.
The 3-0 loss to the Chicago Fire on Wednesday hurt. Unresponsive on offense or defence, the Bleu-Blanc-Noir quickly returned home to learn from this third straight setback.
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Charlotte FC, who host Montreal at the Stade Saputo, Hernan Losada declined to hear about it on Thursday.
“We won’t think much about the opponent. “Rather, it’s time to analyze what we can do to improve, find a way to score, be solid and keep the score at zero because that was the basis of our success,” the head coach explained at a press conference.
The Argentine recalled that his men were able to overcome difficult times at the beginning of the year. After a disastrous start to the season, CF have made good progress in the table.
“Now is not the time to make negative comments or speak ill of anyone,” Losada added. I think that we now have to critically analyze ourselves as a team, as a collective. The competition is open, there are still many points to be won. Everything is possible.”
Montreal is currently three points away from a playoff spot and behind the Fire. The battle will be tough as Charlotte, the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC all have 26 points.
The famous last third
Defeats are piling up, but so are goalless games. It is now the fifth game in a row that CF Montreal have not been upset. A few more goals could do some good before the League Cup begins.
“We know we have to do everything we can to get a good result on Saturday, at home and beyond,” said midfielder Nathan Saliba. The game [contre le Fire] was not in our favor. They managed to take their chances. We know we have to work harder in the last third to take advantage of our chances.
“We have to be more patient and focused in the offensive third,” added the Quebecer. We have to be calmer with the ball, move it more if possible and make sure we’re always present in the penalty area. With good crosses you have to be more aggressive and present than the opposing team.
After Charlotte, we’ll have to wait until August 20 for another MLS encounter between Montreal and Toronto FC. Until then, he meets Pumas (22 July) and DC United (26 July) in the group stage of the League Cup.