CF Montreal Looking Forward To Leagues Cup Challenge

After beating Charlotte last Saturday 2-0 and snapping a four-game winless and scoreless streak, CF Montreal will begin Leagues Cup play on Saturday night at home against Pumas UNAM.

“I think it’s important to show a good level against a team from Liga MX,” Losada responded in his opening answer. “It is very important because if we don’t take it seriously we could go two weeks without playing.”

Losada makes a very good point that if CF Montreal loses both group-stage games against Pumas and DC United, they would need to wait till August 20th to play another match.

“We also play at home in front of our fans and we will do everything to stay competitive in this competition.”

Losada was asked about the differences between Liga MX and MLS and the fact the season in Mexico just started. Pumas are unbeaten in three games.

“It’s completely different – they have already played three games and I think there is a lot of quality with technique in regards to their offensive players. It will be interesting to see.”

Losada confirmed that Jonathan Sirois will be his man in the net after being asked if there was a chance we could see James Pantemis play in the tournament.

He was also asked how he approaches facing a team that he has never played, mostly relying on video.

“The process is quite similar with any other opponent: we have the technology to visualize and scout the opponent and we can analyze what to expect from them.”

Losada confirmed that Lassi Lappalainen is fit enough to be selected but wouldn’t confirm if he will play or not.

Ariel Lassiter was also asked what to expect from the Mexican opposition on Saturday night.

“They are a team that likes to get forward,” Lassiter responded to the question. “They have individual players up top that like to play one vs one and they are a very dangerous team. We have to be careful on the defensive side of things.”

Lassiter did take a knock against Charlotte but confirmed to the media that he is back to feeling 100% and ready for the game on Saturday night.

Mathieu Choiniere, who is fresh off playing in the MLS All-Star game against Arsenal, is also excited for the opportunity to play some Mexican opposition.

“Offensively they are a very quick team,” Choiniere said. “Our main focus will be to make sure that we don’t let them do that.”

Choiniere was asked how critical he is taking this tournament and confirmed it is something that is very serious to him and the team.

“It’s very important. It’s a big tournament with a trophy and the winner gets a spot in next year’s Champions League. Playing Mexican teams, we will see a new style of play and we want to have our best performance.”

After Saturday’s game against Pumas CF, Montreal will host DC United in their second and final group stage game on Wednesday, July 26th at Saputo Stadium.