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After two victories and a draw in their first three games under new head coach Laurent Courtois, Montreal’s 2024 MLS season got off to a good start. Following their draw with Orlando City on opening day, Montreal managed two close wins away to FC Dallas and Inter Miami. These three games were part of their six-game road journey to start the season.
Due to the low temperatures and snowfall in February and March, which had an obvious impact on the playing field at Stade Saputo, an outdoor arena, Montreal has not yet scheduled a home game for 2024. When the weather is bad, the team usually plays its home games indoors at the Olympic Stadium. However, the stadium is now undergoing renovations and won’t be finished until 2028.
However, the Canadian team’s three weeks have not been easy following their incredible triumph over Miami on March 10. Before going to the U.S. capital, the club lost 4-3 to Chicago Fire in stoppage time during a trip to the Windy City, while Pedro Santos’ goal in the 85th minute defeated Montreal 1-0 over DC United. The fact that Courtois’ team only lost by one goal in each of its two losses against DC United and the Fire is a plus.
But against Seattle this past weekend, it was the complete opposite situation. Dominating the box score, the Sounders imposed their will to win their opening game of the season. The hosts had a 59% possession rate, attempted 24 shots overall (11 on goal), produced five excellent opportunities, and accrued an xG of 3.56. However, over a ninety-minute period, Montreal managed just five shots overall (two of which were on goal), one significant opportunity, and an xG of 0.53.
Raul Ruidiaz gave Seattle the lead with a brace in the first half, and USMNT player Jordan Morris added a third. Before the hosts added a fourth and fifth goal late in the game, Nathan Saliba was given a second yellow card just after the second half started, making the situation even worse.
“The outcome wasn’t the only disappointing part of tonight. We lacked humility, camaraderie, and competitiveness, despite some intriguing sequences,” Courtois remarked following the loss. “It was a major setback tonight. After the fan meeting, we told ourselves that we needed to demonstrate our intentions on the field by actually doing well. We didn’t do that tonight. We desire to be seen in a particular light. We made some promises to the supporters. We have to honor our commitments, and we were not humble tonight.”
Joel Waterman, a seasoned center-back for Montreal who has started every game this year, expressed some of the same feelings as his coach, saying that the club fell short of Seattle’s level of effort and fight.
“This evening was not up to par. We did not receive second balls or compete. That must never take place. This week’s focus will be on returning to the fundamentals before moving on to strategies. They were superior to us and outworked us. Early in the season, we had some good outcomes,” he remarked.
“A lengthy road trip is not an excuse. In order to perform for our supporters on Saturday, we must arrive on Tuesday and be ready to work hard. It is our responsibility to be driven and to carry it into every game this season. We fell short of Seattle’s fervor and competitive spirit.”
Due to their three losses, Montreal dropped to 11th place with seven points in the Eastern Conference standings. At last, Courtois’s team will host their first home game at Stade Saputo in 2024. When they play FC Cincinnati, the defending Supporters’ Shield champions, on Saturday night, they hope to get back on track.
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