CF Montreal’s Troubling Start
CF Montreal has faced a challenging beginning to the 2026 MLS season, suffering two heavy defeats in their opening matches. The team lost 5-0 in their first match and followed up with a 3-0 loss, which has placed them at the bottom of the MLS standings. This poor performance is particularly concerning as Montreal has not hosted more than one home match within its first five league games since 2017, further complicating their situation.
Head coach Marco Donadel expressed the difficulties the team is facing, stating, “We have worked hard in pre-season, staying for 40 days without seeing family, which is very difficult for players and staff.” The team has also seen significant roster changes, with eight new players joining and some key players departing, contributing to their struggles. In their first two matches, Montreal produced a mere 0.4 expected goals over 180 minutes, indicating a lack of offensive effectiveness.
Inter Miami’s Ascendancy
In contrast to Montreal’s woes, Inter Miami has made a strong start to the season, currently sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference standings. They secured a 2-1 victory against D.C. United in their second match, with Lionel Messi scoring his 80th goal for the club. This milestone brings Messi’s career total to an impressive 899 goals, showcasing his continued impact on the field.
Miami’s performance has been bolstered by their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, a stark contrast to Montreal’s struggles. Jalen Neal, a player for Inter Miami, noted, “We’re still building as a team, and it’s still early in the season,” suggesting that there is potential for further improvement as the matches progress.
Challenges Beyond the Field
Meanwhile, the upcoming Champions Cup match between Mount Pleasant and LA Galaxy is facing complications, as 10 players from Mount Pleasant were unable to obtain visas for the match scheduled for March 19. This situation highlights the broader challenges teams face, particularly in light of travel restrictions. Paul Christie, a representative from Mount Pleasant, stated, “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.” This sentiment resonates amid ongoing discussions regarding travel bans imposed by the Trump administration, which could impact teams participating in international competitions.
Looking Ahead
The current MLS standings reflect a season still in its early stages, with teams like CF Montreal and Inter Miami on opposite trajectories. As the league progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Montreal can turn their fortunes around and how Miami will build on their early success. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the resolution of visa issues for Mount Pleasant, which could further affect their participation in upcoming matches.
