Football Season Guide

2024 saw CF Montreal attempt to go back to their roots after an ill-fated 2023 under Hernan Losada. Laurent Courtois was appointed to rekindle the more possession-based style that brought success under Wilfried Nancy. A shock early win away at star-studded Inter Miami proved to be a false dawn as the Quebecers struggled through most of the spring and summer months. Only a monumental effort towards the end of the Regular Season, which saw CFM collect 16 points from a possible 21, allowed them to scrape into the play-off wildcard round, where they were ultimately beaten on penalties by Atlanta. Caden Clark proved to be the surprise catalyst for Montreal’s late season surge with four goals and two assists in just ten appearances after his arrival in the summer transfer window. Clark formed a potent partnership with veteran Josef Martinez who rolled back the years during the run-in with a glut of goals. Last season’s top scorer Martinez has now left the club, along with a host of other players in what has been another overhaul in the transfer market. New strikers Giacomo Vrioni and Prince Owusu arrive with MLS experience but nowhere near the proven pedigree of Martinez. CFM’s biggest issue last season was the defence as they conceded more goals than any other team that reached the play-offs. Jalen Neal is perhaps their most high-profile signing, having started many times for LA Galaxy in their 2024 MLS Cup winning campaign and already a USA international at 21 years old. Courtois successfully trusted in youth last season and he’ll have to do the same this time around. Fabian Herbers adds experience to the midfield alongside club captain Samuel Piette, but they are the only two players in the squad over 30 years of age. Putting this much faith in youth is an admirable approach, but can be unpredictable and bring inconsistent results.