CF Montreal and Minnesota United will both be looking to return to winning ways when they do battle at Saputo Stadium this weekend.
The Canadians suffered a 3-0 defeat to the Philadelphia Union last time out, while the Loons were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Toronto, who extended Minnesota’s winless run to three games.
Montreal endured a dismal start to the season, losing six of their opening seven matches, but a run of four straight wins across April and May saw the Quebec outfit climb the standings.
However, the good times didn’t last long, as Hernan Losada’s men swiftly suffered back-to-back defeats. Montreal have now lost three of their last five MLS clashes, picking up a solitary victory along the way.
Despite Montreal’s recent struggles, the Canadians have managed to win each of their last four home league games, keeping four clean sheets in the process, so they will back themselves to notch another victory at Saputo Stadium this weekend.
Following last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Toronto, Minnesota United have failed to win any of their last three matches, with a draw against Real Salt Lake and a defeat to Austin FC preceding the stalemate with TFC.
When you look at the bigger picture, the Loons have only managed to win two of their previous 11 MLS outings, with a run of one draw and five losses coming between April and May.
Adrian Heath’s men have been especially poor on the road in recent times, losing five of their last six away league games. To make matters worse for Minnesota, they conceded at least two goals in four of those five defeats.
That said, the Loons have won each of their three previous MLS meetings with Montreal, picking up a couple of 3-2 away victories in addition to a 2-0 win on home soil.
It is worth noting that Montreal and Minnesota both have multiple injury absentees at the moment, with both managers unable to call upon key performers this weekend.
Samuel Piette (adductor), Mason Toye (knee) and Romell Quioto (hamstring) find themselves in Montreal’s treatment room, while Bakaye Dibassy (thigh), Ryan Jiba (knee), Robin Lod (knee) and Mikael Marques (ankle) are out for the Loons.
Montreal forward Sunusi Ibrahim has bagged three goals and two assists across all competitions this season, while Mathieu Choinere and Ariel Lassiter both have two goals and three assists to their name.
As for Minnesota, top scorer Bongokuhle Hlongwane has netted six goals this term, while Mender Garcia, Joseph Rosales and Kervin Arriaga all have two goals and one assist under their belt.
Major League Soccer fans in the UK can watch the match on Apple TV.
Expert Insight: While CF Montreal have won five of their six MLS home games this season – keeping four clean sheets for good measure – Minnesota have lost five of their previous six away league outings. With that in mind, the Quebec outfit are expected to pick up another positive result at Saputo Stadium.
Major League Soccer