CF Montreal's goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois has expressed optimism as they gear up to face D.C. United on Saturday, March 15, 2025, even as they struggle with three consecutive losses to kick off their Major League Soccer season.
Montreal, currently sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, has endured a rocky start with only two goals scored and eight conceded across their opening three road matches against Atlanta United, Minnesota United, and the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Despite the team's disheartening results, Sirois is determined to remain focused and not let external negativity affect their performance. "We’ve stepped things up in training, we’re working harder," he said during a video call prior to their departure for Washington. "We still have confidence and we believe in our abilities within the team – the talent we have, the mentality we can bring."
The goalkeeper stressed the importance of maintaining faith as the team tries to recover from their setbacks. "It’s as simple as [that]," Sirois remarked, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of football. "The beauty of football is, even if we lost our last three games, it doesn’t mean we’re going to lose the next three. Anything is possible. We just have to take it one match at a time and show more resilience and bounce back."
D.C. United, boasting a record of 1-0-2, is heading to this match with confidence, ranking fifth in the Eastern Conference after their recent 2-1 victory against Sporting Kansas City. The team's top threat is Christian Benteke, who currently leads the league with three goals and has showcased his dominance by winning 27 aerial duels throughout the season.
"We know they’re going to happen eventually; it’s just about limiting easy access and clear advantages from those crosses," stated Montreal's head coach Laurent Courtois as he outlined their strategy to contain Benteke and prevent D.C. from gaining momentum. Courtois emphasized the need to neutralize Benteke, saying, "If I keep an eye on things and can direct my defenders in the box, especially with Benteke since he’s their biggest threat, then we can neutralize [him] through communication and man-marking, which will make our job a lot easier."
Courtois acknowledged the mixed emotions within the team following their slow start. "We trust how we work; we know where we’re strong," he explained, "but then there’s the reality of results, and it’s been three matches where we’ve had one or two players having an off-game, which has cost the team. But as a group, we’re in a much nicer place than, let’s say, we were against Minnesota. We’re happy with the effort being put in." He noted, though, there is still concern about the team’s lack of sharpness when it came to execution, particularly offensively.
After starting the season with injuries to key players, Montreal may see the return of captain Samuel Piette and central defender George Campbell, both of whom have been recovering from injuries. Piette has missed the last two games due to a hamstring issue, and Campbell has been sidelined with a groin injury. Courtois provided some optimism by stating, "Both players are close to returning," which could provide much-needed depth as the team seeks its first points of the season.
Unfortunately, CF Montreal is still managed without designated player Giacomo Vrioni, defender Jalen Neal, and midfielder Hennadiy Synchuk who are all dealing with injuries. While Vrioni is slowly ramping up his involvement, Neal and Synchuk will require additional time before rejoining the squad. ",
By addressing these injuries and improving their overall performance, Sirois and his teammates hope to turn their season around and build momentum as they continue on this challenging road trip and look toward their home opener against Charlotte FC on April 12, 2025.
Fans remain hopeful as the Montreal team has shown some encouraging signs, exhibiting teamwork and determination, which coach Courtois believes can turn their fortunes around as the season progresses. With the support of their loyal fans, who they hope to wow with their home performance soon, Montreal will be eager to start racking up points from here on out.