CF Montreal head coach Marco Donadel and defender Joel Waterman remained optimistic regardless of a defeat to the Philadelphia Union final outing.
Montreal, who’re backside of the Japanese Convention, misplaced 2-1 to table-topping Philadelphia in a intently contested match in midweek. Montreal produced 1.5 anticipated targets (xG), barely decrease than the Union’s 1.6.
Though they misplaced the match, Montreal prolonged their scoring run to 6 video games and confirmed they will compete in opposition to the very best within the league.
Donadel was proud to see his Montreal aspect proceed to chase the match quite than sit again and settle for defeat, whereas Waterman, who assisted Prince Owusu’s purpose, is hoping to maintain their efforts going into their subsequent recreation in opposition to the Chicago Hearth.
“The blokes wished to come back right here and combat on the identical degree of the first-placed workforce within the standings to indicate one thing,” stated Donadel.
“We wished to come back right here to attempt to win, to attempt to get factors, and the blokes have proven this on the sphere. I’m very blissful, particularly as a result of we confirmed that after we went down 2-1, chasing the sport, we might create a variety of probabilities.
“As quickly as they gave us a little bit of area, the gamers recognised the likelihood to play. We tried to indicate what we will do, and we fought.”
Waterman added: “It’s very disappointing, however there’s a lot to be pleased with in that efficiency too. They’re first within the league for a purpose, and so they do a variety of the little issues very well.
“Whenever you go toe to toe with the very best of the very best within the league, it’s one thing you’re pleased with, however on the identical time, we’re not glad. I don’t need the boys to really feel glad in any respect.
“One factor we will’t fault is the hassle, and in opposition to a very good workforce. We’ve got one other recreation on Saturday, so we’ll try to study lots like at all times, and we’ll transfer ahead.”
De retour à la maison après quelques jours sur la route
Again to Centre Nutrilait after an extended street journey #CFMTL pic.twitter.com/9mmXzTygG2
— CF Montréal (@cfmontreal) July 17, 2025
Playoff-chasing Chicago Hearth have been dealt a late blow of their final recreation in opposition to Atlanta United after conceding a 94th-minute equaliser.
The Hearth at the moment are 4 factors behind Charlotte FC in ninth, however have performed one recreation fewer than their counterparts.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
CF Montreal – Prince Owusu
Prince Owusu has been a key performer for Montreal this season. He leads the membership with 10 targets, three of which have been the important first of the match.
The German ahead has scored in six of his final seven matches in all competitions, discovering the online eight instances throughout these video games.
Chicago Hearth – Philip Zinckernagel
Philip Zinckernagel has been one in all Chicago’s main attacking threats this season, offering 10 targets and eight assists.
Zinckernagel scored on a nook kick simply 62 seconds into Wednesday’s draw with Atlanta. It was the quickest Olimpico in MLS play over the past 15 seasons.
MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW
Montreal have received simply one in all their first 10 house matches this common season (D3 L6). Getting into this season, solely Tampa Bay (4) in 2001 had collected fewer factors of their first 10 house video games of a season in MLS historical past.
The Hearth surrendered two completely different one-goal leads of their 2-2 draw at Atlanta on Wednesday. It was the sixth time this season that Chicago has did not win an MLS match it had a lead in, tied for essentially the most such video games in 2025 with Orlando Metropolis, Actual Salt Lake and St. Louis Metropolis SC.
Montreal have received 5 of their final six true house matches (in Montreal) in opposition to Chicago (D1), courting again to 2018. Montreal have misplaced solely two of their 15 all-time true house matches in opposition to the Hearth (W10 D3).
Of their final six league matches, Montreal have received two, drawn one and misplaced three. Chicago, in the meantime, have received one, drawn one and misplaced 4 of their final six.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
CF Montreal – 36.5%
Draw – 26.2%
Chicago Hearth – 37.3%
