Having won a first game of 2023 against the Philadelphia Union two weeks ago, CF Montreal will be looking to set up the right games against a side just as struggling as them, the Vancouver Whitecaps.
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When we compare ourselves, we console ourselves; The British Columbia team has as many points (3) as Bleu-Blanc-Noir, but without being able to enjoy victory. The Caps play a game more than Hernan Losada’s side but still have three draws under their belt.
The Whitecaps are returning to their hometown BC Place after three games. Each of these games ended 1 to 1.
“To be honest we are under a bit of pressure because we are playing well but not getting any results. Sooner or later we have to score. We’re close to the line. If we win, we’ll be ready for the playoffs,” said head coach Vanni Sartini on Tuesday.
“All teams are difficult [à affronter], all games are difficult. There is a lot of competition in this league. We also play outside; It’s more than five flight hours and three flight hours, so there will be jet lag,” Losada said during his media presence on Wednesday.
Vancouver has seen off the mighty Minnesota United FC and the star-studded Los Angeles Galaxy in recent weeks. The club also continued their run in the CONCACAF Champions League, where they meet reigning Major League Soccer (MLS) champions Los Angeles FC in the next round.
Missing Goals
A fascinating striker finds himself in the Vancouver team. Simon Becher, 23, leveled the game at 1-1 by scoring against Minnesota in the 98th minute. The American hasn’t had a lot of playing time yet, but always uses a few minutes to find the target. He was also named to MLS Team of the Week.
Despite this, the Whitecaps have only scored five goals in as many games despite 23 shots, five of them on target. CF Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois better watch out.
“Confidence is good because we’re playing well,” said Sartini. […] It’s no secret that guys who play close to the net would like to score more goals. They may need more confidence individually but I would say morale is good as a group.
As for impact, it’s three goals in four games, including two by Romell Quioto. The striker is an uncertain case in this game, coming back from two meetings with the Honduran national team.