After playing no less than 15 games in two months, CF Montreal players were able to enjoy their first days off in a long time. With their heads and legs rested, they will greet the mighty Nashville SC at Stade Saputo.
As of Wednesday night, it has been ten days since the Hernan Losada men beat Minnesota United 4-0. By not having to travel last week, the athletes could afford four or five days off the field.
“It feels good after all the games we’ve put together. We had a few days off. “We had four days off, so we took the opportunity to switch off and recharge our batteries,” said midfielder Mathieu Choinière at a press conference on Monday.
The start of this sequence began with the Canadian Championship meetings. With that competition on the back burner, CF Montreal can focus on Major League Soccer (MLS) for at least a month ahead of the League Cup.
“It was difficult. Especially when we were traveling and covering long distances. “We have several home games now and we’ve had a little rest,” assured striker Chinonso Offor.
The team of the hour
Nashville SC will not be intimidated at Saputo Stadium. Tennessee’s representatives have not suffered a defeat in MLS since April 15. Hany Mukhtar, the best player and MLS Golden Boot of 2022, is still raring to go. The German was voted Player of the Month in May.
“Nashville is Nashville… They’re a fit team, they haven’t lost in their last 10 games,” head coach Losada said. The best player in the league plays for them. It will be complicated but CF Montreal can do something special at home. It’s going to be an interesting game to see if we can stay competitive against a team like Nashville.
With just one setback in seven home games, the Bleu Blanc Noir know how to defend. Inspired by the performance against the “Loons”, the players want to please their fans again.
“It’s a big challenge for us. “It’s a game where we have to prove our skills,” said Offor. After this short break, we have to prove that we can make the playoffs. This game could be crucial. If we beat them, we know we have what it takes.”
“There are still many games to play. […] Consistency is key in this league. “If you keep a little consistency, that’s good, but it’s not a decisive game,” said Losada. All games are worth three points and in the end we’ll see.
In the Eastern Conference standings, Nashville is second with 35 points. CF Montreal is just within the playoff-entry zone with 22 points and their ninth season.