Although CF Montreal is still licking its wounds from the Canadian Championship semi-final exit, the team will play host to Charlotte FC on Saturday at the Saputo Stadium with kickoff at 2:30 am.
On Thursday morning, Canadian side CF Montreal were sent crashing out of the Canadian Championship as they fell to a humbling 4-0 defeat at the hands of Toronto FC. Ayo Akinola scored a brace to put the Reds two goals up before Jesus Jimenez and Alejandro Pozuelo netted in a three-minute spell to extend the margin.
The defeat was an embarrassing one for Montreal, who now turn their attention to the MLS, where they are currently on a run of three defeats from their last four outings, with May’s 4-3 win at FC Cincinnati being the exception. With 23 points from 15 games, Wilfried Nancy’s side are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, level on points with sixth-place New England Revolution.
On Saturday, Erik Hurtado scored in the 41st minute to put the hosts ahead before Brazilian forward Andre Shinyashiki equalized five minutes into the second period. Prior to that, Christian Lattanzio’s men snapped a two-game losing streak on June 11 when they saw off New York Red Bulls at home thanks to goals from Benjamin Bender and Derrick Jones. Meanwhile, Charlotte will look to end their away day woes and grab their first win on the road this season.
Montreal vs Charlotte Head to Head
Both sides have one game against each other with hosts taking one win while visitors winless. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Toronto 4-0 Montreal
- Montreal 0-1 Austin
- Montreal 4-3 Cincinnati
- Forge 0-3 Montreal
Away
- Columbus Crew 1-1 Charlotte
- Charlotte 2-0 NY Red Bulls
- Seattle 2-1 Charlotte
- NY Red Bulls 3-1 Charlotte
Montreal Team News
Canadian midfielder Tomas Giraldo is currently recuperating from a long-term hamstring injury, but he won’t be available for the hosts in their upcoming friendly. Joining him on the Montreal injury table is 30-year-old forward Bjorn Johnsen, who has only played once since November.
Charlotte Team News
As for Charlotte, head coach Mike Lattanzio will be unable to call upon the services of attackers Chris Hegardt and Vinicius Mello, who have been ruled out through injuries to their meniscus and foot respectively.
Prediction and Odds
Montreal have been defeated in their last two games, but we believe they will bounce back this weekend.
- Montreal Win
- Both Teams to Score
- Goals Over 1.5
