CF Montreal is still in the experimentation phase of camp as it continues pre-season preparations in Florida. For new head coach Hernan Losada, the name of the game is data collection and learning what the winning combinations on the field will look like.
After playing to a 2-2 draw against Houston Dynamo on Feb. 11 in their first taste of Major League Soccer opposition, preparations now begin for their second friendly against Inter Miami — which will also be Montreal's opponent in its opening-day matchup.
"The results are important of course, but it’s not the most important during the pre-season," said Losada from the team's camp in Fort Lauderdale. "The most important thing is the collective work between the pieces to see all the things we worked on during the last five weeks reflected on the field."
Everyone is expected to play minutes over the course of the club’s three final friendlies this week before a week of preparation ahead of their Feb. 25 season opener in Miami. Montreal may not get an idea of what a complete starting 11 could look like until game day — especially with the questionable fitness status of attacking midfielder Matko Miljevic, who is still running tests on an injured knee.
Several departures and arrivals mean there is added extra competition for the three attacking positions. One of those vying for a spot is Jules-Anthony Vilsaint, who was signed just three days ago from Belgian club Royal Antwerp’s youth side, Young Reds.
"I know there's a lot of competition in front of me, but my quality and determination make me a really good addition to this team," said Vilsaint, who's size and versatility has seen him play in a number of attacking roles. "It’s just a question of opportunity.
"I’ll get my chances to have minutes and I want to make them count. I've spoken to all the strikers and I’m trying to learn from them and their experience. Every day is a learning experience."
The Montreal-born forward spent just shy of two years in Belgium but only featured in 10 games, starting once, and adding a single goal. His struggles at the club were not due to injury but rather complications off the field.
Despite the questions surrounding Montreal’s attacking corps, the other side of the ball appears to be at its most solid in years. With every starter except Alistair Johnston returning for another season and boasting new, exciting reinforcements, the club’s backline is pushing to be among the best in MLS.
"Overall, we’ve built super chemistry thus far, there’s positive energy in the group and it’s great to see," said goalkeeper James Pantemis. "The more we play together, our chemistry gets better and better. We want to be a team that’s difficult to play against and that doesn’t give away free goals."
Last season, the Montreal backline was instrumental in dominating the ball and the tempo of the game but was occasionally caught out and conceded goals against the run of play. With new additions George Campbell and Aaron Herrera being added to a defensive unit that is more comfortable with one another than ever, Pantemis has shown great optimism for the coming year.
Montreal will face off against Inter Miami in a friendly on Feb. 15 before their final two games — both on Feb. 18 — against Colorado Rapids 2 and the Tampa Bay Rowdies in St. Petersburg, Fla.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 14, 2023.
Elias Grigoriadis, The Canadian Press
