Squad depth a key factor in CF Montréal's eight-game undefeated run

“The whole roster’s contributing, not just a few guys,” says Djordje Mihailovic. “This stretch of games is a result of everybody on the squad putting in positive performances.”

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May 15, 2022 • 12 minutes ago • 4 minute read • Join the conversation

CF Montreal defender Alistair Johnston (22) celebrates with midfielder Djordje Mihailovic (8) and defender Rudy Camacho (4) after scoring a goal in the second half at Bank of America Stadium on May 14, 2022. Photo by Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

We have become accustomed to Djordje Mihailovic scoring goals for CF Montréal as he continues a season that might ultimately result in an MLS most valuable player award.

But Alistair Johnston hitting the back of the net? Not so much.

However this is what transpires when teams win and are successful — everyone contributes, not just those expected to.

And so it was on Saturday night when Mihailovic, the American attacking midfielder, opened the scoring. And then Johnston, a defender not known for his scoring prowess, added the insurance goal — his first of him this season and only the second of his career — as CFM defeated Charlotte FC 2-0, before more than 33,000 spectators at Bank of America Stadium.

“The whole roster’s contributing, not just a few guys,” Mihailovic said after producing his team-leading sixth goal this season in the 45th minute. “Today (Johnston) got his first goal from him. He deserves it. This stretch of games is a result of everybody on the squad putting in positive performances. The thing that’s great right now is the whole squad’s contributing.”

Johnston, the Canadian international defender acquired last December from Nashville for US$1-million in general allocation money, added the all-important insurance goal in the 67th, his strike, from just inside the box, deflecting off the left post beyond Kristijan Kahlina, who has recorded clean sheets in each of the expansion club’s four victories.

And so, this magical CFM run continues. After losing its opening three matches, the club is now on a franchise-record eight-game undefeated streak, sitting atop the table in the Eastern Conference with a 6-3-2 record. While Orlando City and Philadelphia also have 20 points, the Lions have played one additional game and the Union has one fewer victory.

Saturday’s win was CF Montreal’s third on the road this season. It also established a club record with five consecutive road games without a loss.

The news, however, wasn’t all good. Honduran international striker Romell Quioto, who set up Mihailovic, will be sidelined indefinitely with a shoulder injury, sustained on the goal. While manager Wilfried Nancy offered no further update, at least he has options at his disposal. Quioto was replaced by veteran Kei Kamara, signed as a free agent before the start of the season. And US striker Mason Toye, yet to play this season due to an adductor injury, has resumed full practices.

“I don’t think about the past,” said Mihailovic, who scored in successive matches for the first time in his career. “We’re on this great run, and that’s good. But the most important thing is to worry about that next game, not the past. The season’s going to go up and down. It’s good to feel this right now, but we can’t get too high.

“Successful teams have good depth. Any teams that have won championships, it’s the depth at the end of the day, the quality of players.”

When CFM struggled early this season, it was also involved in Champions League play, the hectic schedule — including two trips to Mexico — extracting its toll on the weary side. But the Canadian club is now in the midst of three games in nine days, a trip to Nashville upcoming Wednesday night before returning home next Sunday afternoon against Real Salt Lake.

The stretch will be grueling and challenging.

“It’s important we don’t waste energy off the field doing stupid stuff,” Mihailovic said. “It’s important that we recover well. It’s important, with the roster and depth, there’s going to be rotations. We can’t lose that positive energy and sharpness. We have to go into every game without thinking about this good stretch we just had.”

It has taken more than a season, along with some growing pains, for CFM to produce an identity and culture. But Nancy’s team-first concept is beginning to pay dividends as he continues pushing all the right buttons.

Here’s one example: Italian defender Gabriele Corbo has been used sparingly this season, his first with CFM. But when called upon Saturday, replacing the suspended Joel Waterman, Corbo delivered a strong effort along the back-line, blocking numerous scoring attempts.

He helped contribute to Sebastian Breza’s first clean sheet this season. The goalkeeper had luck on his side, when Andre Shinyashiki struck the iron in the 38th. But he also made three saves, including one against Harrison Afful in the 88th.

“The clean sheet’s good for the team,” Nancy said. “Today, we continued to do good things. We’re on a good run and the credit goes to the players. There’s a confidence building since last year.”