MLS takes notice as CF Montréal becomes an offensive juggernaut

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It’s unlikely there’s a vengeful bone in the body of unflappable CF Montréal manager Wilfried Nancy.

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But after all the times he and his club’s hearts had been shattered by Orlando City over the years — the Lions eliminated CFM from the playoffs on Decision Day last November and opened the schedule this season with another victory — this 4-1 beat-down against the Lions on Saturday afternoon at Saputo Stadium, and former franchise great Marco Di Vaio, had to be satisfying to say the least.

It was the most-complete and dominant performance of the season by CF Montréal. In the process, the club established a team record, recording its seventh consecutive match without a loss.

After launching the season with three successive defeats, and when it appeared that all hope was lost on this flagging outfit, the side’s now 5-3-2 overall, having climbed into third place in the Eastern Conference. Since getting drubbed 4-1 by New York City FC — the defending MLS champions — on March 12, CFM has gone 5-0-2.

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“Last year, we did a really good performance against Orlando, but didn’t score on the opportunities that we had,” Nancy said. “Today, we scored. Football sometimes is crazy. We see the way it is, but I don’t live in the past.

“Today, we managed to do it. Yes, I’m happy and the players are happy too. It’s as simple as that. Those were some great goals.”

CFM continues to get production from some unlikely players. Canadian defender Joel Waterman opened the scoring in the 21st minute, but not before a video review was required to determine he had remained onside when it appeared he hadn’t. Not only was it Waterman’s first goal in MLS, he became the first Canadian Premier League developed prospect to score.

In the April 30 2-1 home victory against Atlanta United, it was fellow Canadian international defender Kamal Miller who opened the scoring and then set up Joaquin Torres for the winner. It’s likely nothing more than a coincidence, but Waterman because a starter along the back-line seven games ago, when this improbable streak commenced.

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“It’s a good time,” Waterman said. “Any time you can get into the lineup consistently. … I’ve worked really hard for this. Now to get the opportunity to play consistently, week in and week out and adding my first MLS goal onto that, is a pretty special thing. The season’s going to be a roller-coaster; that’s just how it goes. But right now I’m healthy. I’m blessed. We’re enjoying our football and we have to keep working consistently at it.”

Not only did Waterman score, he played well defensively and received a congratulatory post-game text from his father. Unfortunately, Waterman received a caution for fouling Benji Michel moments after scoring and will miss next Saturday’s match at Charlotte because of a yellow card accumulation.

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“I thought I was good with the ball playing out of the back, especially going forward as well,” Waterman said. “It’s coming along in terms of my timing and positioning. I’m very happy with my performance, but want to stay consistent. Today was a special day for sure.

“When you get collective scorers like that, especially from our defenders… it’s been fantastic to see goals coming from different areas. I’m just glad to be part of that group now.”

Attacking US midfielder Djordje Mihailovic gave CFM a 2-0 lead with his career-high fifth this season. Then, after Joao Moutinho ensured goalkeeper Sebastian Breza would go a 10th consecutive match without a clean sheet, Joaquin Torres and Zachary Brault-Guillard put the game away with a pair of late scores within three minutes. The 5-foot-5 Torres has three goals this season, showing no effects of the concussion he sustained earlier this year. He also added two assists and was outstanding on one against one battles.

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The game marked the second time already this season CF Montréal, quickly becoming an offensive juggernaut, erupted for four goals. And now, finally, it has produced more goals than it has conceded — 20-19. While the clean sheet remains the elusive carrot the team continues chasing, it now has allowed only one goal in each of its last five matches.

The team obviously has tightened things defensively while continuing to display resilience, retaining its composure after the Lions scored.

If CFM isn’t necessarily sending a message to its Eastern Conference opponents, it most certainly has grabbed the attention of other clubs.

“There’s goals in this team,” Waterman said. “We’re all collectively scoring at the right moments. It’s really good to see.”

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