CF Montreal Looks To Bounce Back Against Orlando City

After a 4-1 drubbing last weekend against Atlanta United and one of their star players saying they got ‘destroyed tactically’, CF Montreal heads to Florida to face Orlando City SC.

“Every game is difficult,’ Hernan Losada told the media on Thursday morning at the Nutrilait Centre in Montreal ahead of the team’s departure.

“Especially on the road, and not just us – but there are many teams that struggle on the road and we will try to work hard and stay focused. We honestly think we can take points against Orlando.”

It will be easier said than done for Losada, as Orlando City is currently on a 12-game unbeaten streak at Exploria Stadium, having not lost a game at home since April.

“We have four games left to finish a season with a lot of ups and downs, and especially a season where we are rebuilding with a lot of changes. The fact we are currently in a playoff spot… I have to give credit to the team.”

After facing Orlando City SC on Saturday night, CF Montreal will head home to face the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday at Saputo before facing the Portland Timbers next Saturday at home. Then it’s Decision Day the Saturday after, again on the road, against the Columbus Crew.

The team needs at least 3-4 points in their final four games to clinch a playoff spot.

“We have to stay humble and positive, and play four games with an all-or-nothing mentality. We want to stay competitive against high-caliber teams and we will try to get a result.”

Losada confirmed he had a chat this week with Samuel Piette after making those harsh comments last Saturday, but said he didn’t want to use the media to talk about a private discussion with his player.

It is also most likely Fernando Alvarez, the young center-back who was recently acquired from Pachuca in Mexico, will get his first MLS start due to Joel Waterman’s red card suspension.

Losada was asked to give an update on Jules-Anthony Vilsaint, who was dealing with an injury while also being sick last week, as well as Romell Quioto who didn’t play last Saturday.

“Quioto didn’t play due to the situation last game in Atlanta and I told him that. Jules-Anthony is not 100%, but he feels better. He was sick yesterday and today and we will see Saturday if he is available.”

Losada was finally asked about the young players facing pressure in a tight playoff race with only four games left in the regular season.

“I think the most important thing to say is that there is no pressure because no one thinks we can make the playoffs and we are currently in a spot no one thought we would be in.”

Bryce Duke was asked what the team needs to do to maybe cause an upset or a surprise Saturday night in Orlando.

“We need to play well and score goals,” Duke responded. “We need to come out with the three points and playing on the road is always a tough task and we just need to play our game.”

Duke was also asked about feeling the pressure and admits the team has felt some pressure to get results.

“There has been pressure ever since the season started to get into playoffs and try to play well and make it to the playoffs. That’s the goal.”