CF Montreal face biggest test of the season against high-flying FC Cincinnati

Major League Soccer's most in-form team will meet its top home club on Wednesday when CF Montreal visits Cincinnati FC. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Allen McInnis

Major League Soccer's most in-form team will meet its top home club on Wednesday when CF Montreal visits Cincinnati FC.

Currently riding a four-game win streak in MLS and six in all competitions, CF Montreal will face its biggest test so far this season against a Cincinnati side that has won all six games at TQL Stadium.

"We're approaching this game with a lot of confidence knowing what we've achieved in the last few games," said goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois. "If we continue the work collectively like we did in the last few games, then I think it should go well."

After their worst-ever start to a season, Montreal (5-6-0) have rebounded, going from last place in MLS to occupying the Eastern Conference's seventh seed and holding the longest active win streak in the league, including four straight shutouts.

In Montreal's first seven games -- of which it lost six on the road -- it was outscored 17-2. Since then, the club has flipped those figures on their head, outscoring opponents 12-1 during the win streak and winning two games away from home in convincing fashion.

"The road is always complicated in this league," said head coach Hernan Losada. "We put a lot more emphasis and energy … on a good, solid structure and a good block with defensive principles. Teams are built from the back to the front and, especially on the road, if you have good organization, you always have a chance."

Cincinnati (7-1-3) has been in imperious form, sitting tied for first in the East with a game in hand on the New England Revolution. With a 5-1 loss to St Louis City FC being the only setback this season, the club has quickly become the blueprint for how to successfully retool a squad in a single off-season.

Some smart decisions in the transfer market have helped Cincinnati add strength all over the field and develop one of the deepest attacking cores in MLS. In addition to Brandon Vasquez, Brenner, and Luciano Acosta, who all provided more than 20 combined goals and assists last season, Alvaro Barreal and new signing Sergio Santos have emerged as new sources for offence.

"You must respect every opponent without fearing them. We know they haven't lost a home game, so it's on us to go down there and change that," said Sirois, who has conceded just two goals in his last six starts.

"It's all about the maturity with which we approach games, especially in the opening moments. During the first 10-15 minutes, home sides try to push and create chances, so if we can weather the storm and set up our game plan then I think it'll help a lot."

Montreal's turnaround has not just been on the defensive side of the ball. The team that couldn't seem to buy a goal or any kind of offensive consistency is now unrecognizable. With the arrival of Bryce Duke and Ariel Lassiter, the return of Romell Quioto, and the emergence of Mathieu Choiniere as one of the breakout players of the year, it finally seems like the attack is starting to click.

One player missing from that list is Chinonso Offor, who has had a roller-coaster start to his time in Montreal. After a few impressive performances off the bench, the imposing Nigerian striker was thrust into the role of lone striker when the club was ravaged by injuries. He struggled to find his footing with a team that seemed lost offensively and went nearly 600 minutes without a goal.

However, two crucial goals in two consecutive games against Toronto FC has helped him rediscover good habits.

"As a striker, you want to be on the scoresheet and it helps with my confidence," said Offor. "Being alone up front in the last games when Romell was injured was difficult but now everyone is back and they attract defender so it gives me the space to do more in the box."

That space led to both of Offor's goals in typical poacher style and will be crucial if Montreal wants to pick up points on the road.

- This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 16, 2023.