MONTREAL — Riding a six-game unbeaten run and winners of eight of their last 10 matches, CF Montreal could not be in better form heading into its first Major League Soccer playoff game since 2016.
The late-season run put a cap on a historic season for CF Montreal, which broke a dozen franchise records including most wins (20), points (65) and goals scored (63). Montreal's 35 points away from home was also an MLS record in the non-shootout era.
“(This team) has built something starting from last year and we’ve improved on that by working, learning, and competing every single day,” said head coach Wilfried Nancy. “The numbers speak for themselves, but I’m more interested in the substance of our game and that’s something we’ve delivered all season. All I can say is bravo.”
Montreal's first post-season test is against Orlando City SC on Sunday evening at Saputo Stadium.
Thanks to its late-season surge, Montreal (20-5-9) was able to nail down second place in the Eastern Conference — finishing two points behind the Philadelphia Union (19-10-5) — which secured the club home-field advantage until the conference finals, provided they make it that far.
Conversely, Orlando (14-14-6) did not enjoy a fruitful an end of the season. The Florida club looked set to stroll into a playoff spot and then dropped four of five games.
Just making the playoffs required a 2-1 comeback victory over Columbus City last Sunday, the final day of the season.
"We are in October already and looking to have a good (match) .. after the achievement of qualifying with this group,” Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja said in a statement. “I think it is even more important to think about advancing and that is where we are now. The group is very optimistic and very confident going to Montreal and fighting for our ticket to the next round.”
Orlando surrendered seven goals, and scored just four, over their final three games, but Nancy takes no comfort in his opponent's recent struggles.
“Every year you’re going to get surprises towards the end of the season and in the playoffs,” added Nancy. “We’re starting a completely new competition now and anything can happen. We can dominate all game and they can score at the last minute or vice versa, but all we can do is prepare the best we can and focus solely on this game.”
There will be an added element of drama in this game, with Orlando being responsible for Montreal’s elimination from playoff contention last season on Decision Day.
“I think it doesn’t really matter who we play. Orlando are a pretty good team but in every game we’re the favourites so it doesn’t change anything,” said Finnish winger Lassi Lappalainen. “It was a long time ago. Of course, it was a bummer but if we come here and fight, we will win for sure.”
There are others, however, who have a particular axe to grind. Kamal Miller was traded to Montreal from Orlando in 2020 and didn’t shy away from the fact that this matchup will be personal, having left Florida with a few bitter memories.
The last time the two teams met at Saputo in May, Montreal was by far and away the superior side, cruising to a 4-1 win and limiting Orlando to a single shot on target.
That being said, home form of late has been a bigger question mark for Montreal, who have struggled with teams dropping deep to counter their possession-heavy style and capitalize on their mistakes.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2022.
Elias Grigoriadis, The Canadian Press
