Sep 28, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; CF Montreal forward Josef Martinez (17) kkicks the ball against the San Jose Earthquakes during the first half at Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images A spot in the playoffs is in view for CF Montreal when they travel to face Charlotte FC on Saturday night.
CF Montreal (10-12-10, 40 points) is on a three-match winning streak and a five-match unbeaten stretch, with four victories in that time, and can clinch a spot in the postseason with a win, coupled with either the Philadelphia Union or D.C. United finishing with no better than a draw.
Montreal could also qualify for the playoffs with a draw plus a loss by either Philadelphia or D.C. The Union will face the Columbus Crew while D.C. United take on the New England Revolution.
CF Montreal has a three-point lead on both Philadelphia and D.C. and is eighth in the Eastern Conference, one spot above the playoff line. They understand that a letdown at Charlotte, with two matches remaining, could hurt their playoff chances.
“We know, especially in this league, how everything can change after one game,” Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois said. “We’re all conscious that (D.C. and Philadelphia) are right behind us and they’re waiting for us to slip, (so) we can’t get comfortable.”
Key to Montreal’s run has been Josef Martinez, who has scored twice in each of the past two matches and five time over his last three. Martinez now has a team-best 10 goals.
Charlotte FC (12-11-9, 45 points) has already qualified for the playoffs but has an outside chance at a top-four spot in the East and home-field advantage through at least the first round.
In seventh place, Charlotte is four points behind fourth-place Orlando City but must also jump past New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls over the final two matches to reach fourth place.
Charlotte is unbeaten in its last three (2-0-1) following a 4-3 win over the Chicago Fire on Wednesday, a match that saw Karol Swiderski score twice. The club has scored nine goals in the past three matches.
“I just think at the moment, the players can see the finish line,” Charlotte head coach Dean Smith said. “There’s not too many games left … so they’re excited for that. But when you see the end line, there’s an excitement that comes with it as well of what you can go and achieve, and I think that’s what’s giving the lads a lift at the moment.”
Liel Abada and Junior Urso also scored against the Fire, with Urso’s goal the midfielder’s first since signing with Charlotte in February. Charlotte improved to 8-3-5 at home with the win.
–Field Level Media
