On the verge of “the last rites” six weeks ago, CF Montreal would choose the right moment to exorcise certain demons, Saturday, during the last match of its campaign.
MLS knows exactly what it’s doing with its infamous “Decision Day.” For teams that don’t have the luxury of having the crucial “X” to the left of their name in the standings, this day can bring euphoria… or heartbreak.
The Bleu-blanc-noir is very aware of this.
In 2021, in front of their fans, Montreal needed a victory against Orlando City SC to secure their place in the Eastern Conference playoffs, but they lost 2-0.
In 2023, CF Montreal headed to Columbus with a playoff ticket in its pocket. But after a 2-1 loss – and a crazy end to the game in Nashville – it left Ohio with a tough elimination to swallow.
Last September, Laurent Courtois’s squad didn’t seem to have to worry about these disappointments, as they were just one point out of last place in the East. Then, a 4-1-1 record in their last six games suddenly put them behind the wheel.
Currently sitting in ninth place, the Bleu-blanc-noir only needs a draw against New York City FC at Saputo Stadium to secure their spot in the Eastern playoff game. Even a loss, with a little help, could be enough.
“Obviously, coming into the season, you would have hoped that you would have sealed your playoff spot at this point, but hopes were pretty low 10 games ago. It’s a big accomplishment for the group to be in this position. We should be proud of that, but now it’s the most important game of the year. If we don’t get the job done on Saturday, it doesn’t mean anything,” defenceman George Campbell said Friday before his team’s practice.
It’s unclear whether the players and Courtois are hiding their nervousness well, but despite the enormous stakes, the match against NYCFC is just another one, according to them.
However, CF Montreal will be playing this matchup in front of a 17th sold -out crowd this season, which is a team record. Between the desire to simply collect that decisive point in the standings and to fuel the spectacle for the fans, it’s easy to get lost.
Courtois now has the challenge of finding a balance in his game plan, to attack without taking unnecessary risks.
“It will be in the management of emotions. We have to find the right balance between what we like to do and what we have to do. Will we be able to keep a cool head? You have to attack, but that doesn’t mean forcing things and putting ourselves in a position to be punished. We can’t let the atmosphere take away our clear ideas,” analyzed the head coach.
In addition, CF Montreal (10-13-10) has some unfinished business with New York City FC (14-11-8), a team that has lost only two of its 20 games against the Bleu-blanc-noir (13-2-5).
The “Pigeons” last lost to the Montreal team on July 7, 2021. They have also won six of the last seven games, including the one that eliminated the Bleu-blanc-noir from the MLS playoffs in 2022.
NYCFC probably doesn’t intend to arrive at Stade Saputo as tourists, as a victory could give them home-field advantage for the first round of the playoffs.
“They’re a very playful team. It’s going to be different from DC United or the Philadelphia Union, for example, who impose a different style of trap on you. NYCFC plays in a free manner and we know that we have to position ourselves well on the field. They’re a team that starts very strong at the beginning of the match and that likes to press very high,” observed Courtois.
For the occasion, CF Montreal will be without the services of midfielder Nathan Saliba. The Quebecer is suspended for this match due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Obviously, Courtois hasn’t revealed his tactical cards, but he has already used midfielder Bryce Duke in a slightly more defensive role this season. Captain Samuel Piette should be in his position to support the lucky man.
“Nathan is a big player for us. Him and Sam have done a great job in midfield. I have confidence in our group, we’re pretty tight. We just have to be on the same page defensively. Our success will start from there. No matter who comes in for Nathan, if he’s on the same page, I think we’re going to look good,” said goaltender Jonathan Sirois.
A little sidelined during training due to some minor health problems, striker Josef Martinez should be at his post on Saturday. The Venezuelan is the top scorer for the Bleu-blanc-noir this season with 10 goals.
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