(Montreal) As CF Montreal’s match against DC United at Audi Field approaches on Saturday evening, coach Laurent Courtois is satisfied with where his team is at this point in the season.
“Physically, the guys are exactly at the level I expected in terms of intentions,” Courtois said by videoconference on Friday. That said, I am sure that in execution we can be much better. »
“Case by case, there are elements where we would like to be a little more competitive. But collectively, we’re totally where me and the staff wanted to get the guys. »
“In a few weeks, other things can be discussed,” he continued. The other teams are improving and they will adjust. »
CF is 2-1-1 following a 4-3 loss at Chicago on March 16.
“The very near future will tell us whether the break was beneficial or not,” Courtois said. But I think that for the long term, it was obligatory and it was certainly positive.
“If only for newcomers like me, it allowed me to sort out the moves, the little paper details here and there. We were able to mentally unplug and recharge. »
CF defenseman George Campbell said he was fit to play after missing two games with hip problems.
“I feel great and I’m ready (if called upon),” Campbell said.
He added that he had no problem with this schedule where CF starts the campaign with six matches in a row abroad.
“I see it as a good thing in the sense that in May and June, we will play at home often (six times out of eight from May 11 to June 19). »
His teammate Ariel Lassiter had a slightly different perspective, while emphasizing the degree of preparation of the training.
“We are looking forward to the first home match,” said the midfielder. It’s not easy to have so many matches abroad – it’s never easy to win at opponent’s stadiums in this league. But the season is long, and we are ready to respond to these kinds of challenges. »
CF’s first home game will take place on April 13, against Cincinnati.
Regarding this local opening, Courtois mentioned that it is still a long way off.
“It’s still so far away,” he confided. We have today’s training and tomorrow’s match in mind. There are so many trips to do between now and then. I don’t even think about it (at the moment). »
After the meeting in Washington, Courtois’ group will play in Seattle on April 6.
Defender Raheem Edwards will miss the match against United after receiving a red card at Soldier Field.
DC United is 1-1-3 this season.
Four of their players will be available after an international stint. They were absent when the club drew 2-2 in Saint-Louis last weekend.
Midfielder Matti Peltola played the entire Finns match against Wales.
He was then a reserve used in the second half against Estonia, before leaving due to a migraine.
Defender Aaron Herrera played in each of Guatemala’s two matches, against Venezuela and Ecuador.
On the American U19 side, striker Kristian Fletcher played for 60 minutes against England and 45 against Morocco.
The United States also had defender Matai Akinmboni, who played a total of 100 minutes in the two games.
As for United defender Pedro Santos, he is back after a red card suspension.
reference: www.lapresse.ca