Match Preview: CF Montréal vs. Atlanta United
The conditions in Canada are expected to be quite different than the sunshine seen in Atlanta at the end of the week. The forecast at Stade Saputo at kickoff is cloudy and windy with temperatures around 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
CF Montréal is an Eastern Conference opponent based in Canada. It’s the third Canadian team in MLS, along with Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The club was founded in 2010 under the name Montreal Impact and began play in 2012. In 2021, the club rebranded to CF Montréal.
Along with MLS, CF Montréal competes in the Canadian championship, which includes the three MLS teams in Canada plus 10 clubs in other Canadian professional leagues. Montréal CF has won the Voyageurs Cup five times, most recently in 2021, trailing only Toronto FC for the most Canadian Champions titles (7).
The team plays its home matches at Stade Saputo, a soccer-specific stadium with a field made of natural grass where Saturday’s match will take place. CF Montréal is the only MLS club website written primarily in French. The club’s main colors are dark blue, black and white.
The club has had eight managers in its 11-year history. The team is now managed by Wilfried Nancy, a former French professional player. He joined the club last year, and it’s his first managerial experience.
Atlanta United and CF Montréal have met 10 times, and Atlanta United owns the all-time series 5-2-3. The 5-Stripes have won all four meetings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Montréal has never earned a point in Atlanta.
The last meeting between the two sides was earlier this season on March 19. Atlanta United was the home side and gave up three goals in the first half to Montréal. However, the team rallied with two late goals from Thiago Almada and Brooks Lennon to finish a thrilling comeback and earn a result at home.
The comeback was part of Atlanta United’s three-match stretch when it changed the results in the final minutes. The team also scored stoppage time goals against Charlotte FC on March 13 and D.C. United on April 2.
“I expect this game against Montréal is going to be way different compared to the tactics or the time of game we’re going to have in front,” head coach Gonzalo Pineda said.
