CF Montreal will welcome Charlotte FC this weekend, with both teams seeking to build momentum as the regular MLS season winds down and just seven games left before the playoffs.
The hosts, currently 13th in the Eastern Conference, may see the playoffs as a distant goal, but they will aim to close the five-point gap to the final playoff spot with a crucial result against an opponent they have never lost to.
Match preview
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Montreal enter this match with 27 points from 27 games, having secured just six wins and with only seven games remaining, they are five points off the final playoff spot, leaving minimal room for error in their pursuit of a late push for post-season qualification.
The hosts' defence has been a significant issue throughout the campaign, conceding 58 goals — the most in the entire Eastern Conference. This lack of solidity at the back has seen them win just two of their last 10 league games.
Montreal have scored 35 goals this season, with striker Sunusi Ibrahim leading the way with six goals from 4.29 expected goals and the team will need his astute finishing to break down a Charlotte defence that has allowed only 29 goals so far.
One bright spot for Le CFM is their strong record against Charlotte since both sides' first meeting in 2022; the visitors have won three and drawn one of their four league encounters, with their last home game at Saputo Stadium ending in a comfortable 2-0 victory, boosting their confidence for this fixture.
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The Crown remain in the race for their second consecutive playoff appearance and with only seven games left, every point will be crucial to securing their top-seven spot despite their recent dip in form.
Dean Smith's side have seen mixed results in recent weeks, with only one victory in their last five league games. Their most recent outing ended in a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Atlanta United, a frustrating result that followed a 1-1 home draw with the New York Red Bulls.
With Charlotte being one of the best defensive teams in the league, conceding just 29 goals — the second-best record in the Eastern Conference behind Columbus Crew — a crucial factor in their playoff position as they aim to stifle Montreal's inconsistent attack.
The visitors have historically struggled against Montreal, never securing a win in four previous MLS encounters, including a 2-0 defeat in their last trip to Stade Saputo. With just one draw in this fixture, they will be eager to break that streak and earn a crucial three points to boost their playoff push.
Team News
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Montreal will be without Joaquin Sosa, who is sidelined with a calf injury and is not expected to return until late September.
Raheem Edwards should return to contention after serving his suspension for accumulated yellow cards.
Junior Urso should be available to make a starting return for Charlotte after coming off the bench in the last two games.
The visitors will need a performance from Patrick Agyemang to get a result as he remains the team's biggest goal threat with his seven goals, whilst failing to convert the most big chances on the team with 11 unconverted.
CF Montreal possible starting lineup:
Sirois; Campbell, Waterman, Sosa; Marshall-Rutty, Saliba, Piette, Lappalainen; Duke, Opoku; Ibrahim
Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:
Kahlina; Byrne, Malanda, Privett, Uronen; Bronico, Urso, Diani; Abada, Agyemang, Vargas
We say: CF Montreal 1-1 Charlotte FC
Montreal's home form alongside Charlotte's solid defensive record could make it a close contest.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
