The Philadelphia Union are winless in their last five home matches, while CF Montreal are looking to win consecutive contests for the first time since March.
The two teams meet on Saturday in Chester, Pa., for their final outings before putting their seasons on hold until June 15 due to the FIFA international break.
The Union (4-4-7, 19 points) are coming off scoreless draws at Charlotte FC on May 25 and at home against Toronto FC on Wednesday.
While Wednesday’s draw also ended a club-record four-match home losing streak for Philadelphia, the team is desperate for a victory on Saturday.
“Obviously, it’s a positive to keep a clean sheet … but at the same time, we have to find a balance of being a little bit more brave,” Union coach Jim Curtin said. “Anytime you don’t get three points at home, it’s not acceptable.”
Julian Carranza, who is second on the team with six goals, has garnered the interest of Dutch first-division club Feyenoord, with The Athletic reporting “advanced talks” between the two sides on a transfer. Carranza was not in the matchday lineup for the Union on Wednesday; Curtin on Friday deemed the 24-year-old striker a “game-time decision” for Saturday’s match.
Montreal (4-7-4, 16 points) topped undermanned D.C. United 4-2 on Wednesday, snapping a 0-5-4 skid across all competitions — including an upset to Forge FC in the Canadian Championship quarterfinals. Wednesday’s win came despite several injuries for Montreal, including midfielder Lassi Lappalainen and forwards Josef Martinez, Kwadho Opoku, Mason Toye and Matias Coccaro.
Saturday’s match is an opportunity for Montreal to build on newfound momentum, albeit against a Union side that presents unique challenges.
“There’s a chaos that we expect them to try to impose on us, and there’s a chaos that we impose on ourselves, so we’re perfectly aware of the areas and the moments where we’re just going to have to find a way to deal with the storm,” Montreal coach Laurent Courtois said.
Sunusi Ibrahim, who had a brace against D.C., leads Montreal with four goals. Coccaro and Ariel Lassiter each have three goals.
–Field Level Media
