CF Montréal 2024 Season Preview

MLSsoccer staff

2024 Schedule

Strength: Here’s what I said their weakness would be heading into last season: But the biggest issue might be the change from Wilfried Nancy to Hernán Losada. Losada has the makings of a good coach, but his game model (Maximum Overdrive!!) is very different from Nancy’s pitch control approach. There is a very real chance of a square peg/round hole fit. Guess what? It was! And guess what? Chief soccer officer Olivier Renard recognized that, dismissed Losada and hired Laurent Courtois – who, obviously, runs things from a very Nancy-like blueprint - from Columbus. They should be on the same page this year and with new Nos. 9 & 10 in the fold to boot.
Weakness: A lot of what made Nancy’s system work two years ago was a Best XI-caliber year from Victor Wanyama, who is now two years older. And look, the Eastern Conference is murderous this year. It’s a safe bet that Montréal will be at a talent deficit in the vast majority of their games.

Zachary Brault-Guillard: After five potential-filled seasons in Montréal, the right back has moved on. He played in 106 matches.
Aaron Herrera: With Ruan inbound, Herrera was jettisoned for D.C. United. The Guatemalan international spent just one season in Montréal.
Romell Quioto: Fans will glowingly remember the club-record 2022 season, when Quioto reached 15g/6a. The Honduran international forward, however, was limited to just under 800 minutes played last year.

Matías Cóccaro: Big expectations surround Cóccaro, the Uruguayan striker they acquired from Argentine top-flight side Huracán.
Raheem Edwards: The Canadian international is back in Montréal, giving them a new left wingback (acquired in a trade with the LA Galaxy).
Dominic Iankov: Iankov is Montréal's new No. 10, arriving from Bulgarian top-flight side Ludogorets. He's an established Bulgarian international.
Josef Martínez: Martínez needs little introduction to longtime MLS followers. But for those who aren't familiar, the iconic Atlanta United striker is ninth all-time in goals (105).
Ruan: There's a new right wingback in Montréal – and an experienced, speedy one at that. Ruan, a Brazil native, arrives from D.C. United with 4g/21a in 125 matches.
Full roster