CF Montreal’s Challenging Start
CF Montreal has faced a disheartening beginning to the 2026 MLS season, suffering two significant defeats that have left them at the bottom of the MLS standings. The team lost their opening match 5-0 and followed it with a 3-0 loss, resulting in a total of zero goals scored across their first two matches. This performance marks a troubling trend, as Montreal has not hosted more than one home match within its first five league games since 2017.
Head coach Marco Donadel expressed the challenges faced by the team, stating, “We have worked hard in pre-season, staying for 40 days without seeing family, which is very difficult for players and staff.” Despite the setbacks, Donadel remains optimistic, saying, “I’m positive, I’m a positive guy. That’s why I’m here doing what I like. I have a passion for this team.” However, the team’s struggles are evident, as they produced only 0.4 expected goals in 180 minutes across their first two matches.
Inter Miami’s Rise
In contrast, Inter Miami has started the season on a high note, winning their match against D.C. United 2-1. This victory has propelled them to third place in the Eastern Conference standings, with six points from three games. Notably, Lionel Messi scored his 80th goal for Inter Miami during this match, bringing his career total to an impressive 899 goals. The team’s strong performance has positioned them as a contender early in the season.
Challenges for Mount Pleasant
Meanwhile, Mount Pleasant faces its own set of challenges as they prepare for their Champions Cup match against LA Galaxy. The team is currently dealing with visa issues that have left ten players unable to participate in the upcoming match. This situation is exacerbated by the U.S. travel bans affecting nationals from designated countries, including Haiti, which has impacted Mount Pleasant’s roster.
Mount Pleasant’s sporting director, Paul Christie, voiced his concerns, stating, “We don’t want to just show up for the game, we want to be able to compete. But we are not being given the opportunity to be at our best.” Despite these obstacles, the team is determined to host the second match against LA Galaxy in Kingston, Jamaica, on March 19.
Looking Ahead
The current MLS standings reflect a competitive environment where early-season performances can significantly impact a team’s trajectory. CF Montreal’s struggles highlight the difficulties of integrating new players, as Donadel noted that the team has eight new members and is still in the process of building cohesion. As the season progresses, teams will look to solidify their standings and improve their performances.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential impact of ongoing visa issues on Mount Pleasant’s ability to compete effectively in the Champions Cup. As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these dynamics play out in the MLS standings.
