Following CF Montréal’s (CFM) heartbreaking exclusion from the MLS playoffs, the team’s head coach Hernán Losada assured that he had learned many positive things from this tumultuous season.
However, this does not mean that the scenario that leads to this elimination is not harmful, quite the opposite. The CFM had qualification in the bag, even after losing 2-1 to the Crew in Columbus. A few minutes after the end of the game, the penalty awarded to the New York Red Bulls in the 94th minute changed everything in the duel between them and SC Nashville.
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The New Yorkers finally converted the shot in the penalty area and were able to take the ninth and final place previously held by Montreal, which gave them access to the post-tournament season.
“They deserve a lot more, but this sport, soccer, is like that,” Losada said after the meeting in comments posted on the MLS website. We stayed there until the last second, but in the end we didn’t make it. Now it’s about knowing how to get back on your feet.”
However, the former DC United head coach is proud of what his players achieved, even if the result didn’t live up to expectations.
“Yes, we have to improve, we have to do better,” he said. Unfortunately, in the end we are missing two points. But this group gave absolutely everything and I was grateful and very proud to represent this organization.”
However, members of the team are aware that they have shot themselves in the foot over the course of the season, particularly when playing on opposition fields, as they have managed just two wins in 17 home games this season.
“It would certainly have helped us to win more away games,” analyzed Bleu Blanc Noir defender Joel Waterman.
On the way to next season
The loss of seven places in one year could be seen as a clear step backwards. However, Losada doesn’t see it that way.
“I think we learned a lot this season,” he said. We’ve experienced a lot of ups and downs, but we’ve also experienced a lot of growth. We’ve grown a lot and learned a lot from the many different situations we’ve been through this year.”
In any case, CF Montreal will have enough time to take stock of 2023 and come back stronger for next season.