CF Montréal Downed, 5-1, by Toronto FC

May 18, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club de Foot Montreal News Release

TORONTO, Ontario – CF Montréal fell 5-1 to Toronto FC on Saturday night at BMO Field.

Matty Longstaff opened the scoring for Toronto in the 6th minute, redirecting a cross from Tyrese Spicer. Federico Bernardeschi then gave the Reds a two-goal lead with a shot from inside the 18-yard box six minutes later.

Prince Owusu scored a third for the hosts in the 19th minute.

Bernardeschi scored his second goal with a shot from distance in the 58th minute and completed his hat trick one minute later.

Sunusi Ibrahim scored for the Bleu-blanc-noir in the 67th minute, his second goal of the season.

CF Montréal’s busy schedule continues this Wednesday with the return leg of the Canadian Championship quarterfinals against Forge FC at 7:30pm at Stade Saputo (OneSoccer, BPM Sports, TSN 690).

MATCH NOTES:

– Joel Waterman played his 100th MLS game, all with CF Montréal. He becomes the ninth field player in the Club’s history to reach this milestone.

– Mathieu Choinière played his 130th game, in all competitions, with CF Montréal.

– Bryce Duke, Ariel Lassiter and George Campbell made their 30th MLS start for the Club.

Postgame comments from head coach Laurent Courtois, Jonathan Sirois and Joel Waterman are available here.

LAURENT COURTOIS

“It’s not a time to hide, it’s not a time to point fingers. It’s a time for a true individual and collective self-criticism. I have to admit that at times there was a lack of intensity. I think we need to find a way to change that, and after all, this is a match where you can come back and make it 3-3. I find it hard to explain why we can’t find the resources and lucidity to get back into the game, despite the chances we create.”

JONATHAN SIROIS

“We’re in a situation where we’re not executing on the pitch. It’s as simple as that. I think it’s up to us, the players, the 11 on the pitch, to find solutions. I think at the moment it’s much more in our heads than technically. In the last few games, we’ve shown that we’re capable of playing ball, but as soon as we switch off for a few seconds, we pay the price. Tonight, at the start of the match, it was the same thing.”

JOEL WATERMAN

“The way we want to play, I still have trust in Laurent Courtois’ plan wholeheartedly. I know the guys do too. When the results don’t come things can obviously get frustrating. I’m frustrated right now, the team is frustrated but it comes from willingness within the squad. We have to bring…