MONTRÉAL, QC – The New York Red Bulls (11-12-7) head to the province of Quebec to keep their season alive vs CF Montréal (5-16-9) on Saturday. The two clubs previously met back on April 26 with New York winning the contest 1-0 at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
With four matches left in the regular season, the Red Bulls understand what is at stake. Riding a playoff streak of 15 seasons, New York is in danger of losing their coveted record they have held onto for so long. However, their match in Montréal on Saturday could potentially kickstart an impressive run to finish their season.
Looking at the home side first, Montréal has already been eliminated from postseason contention and are just looking to make the most out of their final matches. The Canadian club has been dismal at home this season, posting a 2-8-5 record at Stade Saputo, which is one of the worst in Major League Soccer. “L’Impact” as of September 19 is also second to last in terms of overall points with 24.
Just like New York, Montréal supporters have been frustrated with their club’s direction in recent years. One would have to travel back to 2022 to find any major success for the club as they were the third best team in MLS that season. During that time frame, current Columbus Crew manager, Wilfried Nancy, was the manager for Montréal.
This season, Montréal’s best player has no doubt been forward Prince Owusu. Leading the team with 12 goals, as well as tallying five assists, this club runs through Owusu. If Montréal wants to upset New York, Owusu will need to be the player that gets them over the hump.
Back to the New York side of things, a growing narrative leading up to their match vs the Portland Timbers was if their offense could get it going again. To be fair to New York, they did finally find the back of the net last week with a second half Emil Forsberg goal. But, manager Sandro Schwarz was still not pleased with his club’s offensive output in recent performances.
Schwarz spoke to the media on Thursday about his team’s work in the final-third, specifically mentioning his attacking players.
“We need from our offensive players more output,” Schwarz said. “The output after winning [the] ball especially in our transition moments it’s too less to come in the final third, to come in the opponent’s box, to have touches in the opponent’s box. This is what we have to prove. It’s not only the responsibility of Emil [Forsberg] and Choupo [Eric Choupo-Moting].”
If they expect more output from players other than forward Eric Choupo-Moting and Forsberg, they will unfortunately not expect it from a player like midfielder Lewis Morgan. Schwarz confirmed Morgan would be out again for Saturday’s match.
Even without Morgan, New York needs to earn the three points. Currently 10th in the Eastern Conference standings and two points behind Chicago Fire FC, New York will need to find a way to put aside their abysmal road record. Regardless of Montréal’s overall record, the Red Bulls cannot dismiss their opponent in the slightest.
If New York were to lose Saturday, they would only be one step closer to being eliminated from playoff contention.
Kickoff for New York’s match vs Montréal is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.
