FC Montreal started its second USL season with two home games at the Olympic Stadium. Both meetings ended in losses. In its inaugural USL season, FC Montreal struggled to find its pace in the first months. This time, the results are similar, but the level of play on the field is much higher.
“Disappointment comes from the fact that we could have won both games,” said head coach Philippe Eullaffroy. “Last year, we struggled to compete on equal terms in those two games. Now, despite two negative results, we see that the overall level of the team is much higher and that results will come faster than last year.”
There’s no doubt that the level of the league also improved. Similar to MLS, the uniformity of the league is clearer than ever, and teams can compete in every game, regardless of the opponent.
“The league is probably one step higher than last year and is really homogeneous, which makes it even more interesting,” said the FC Montreal head coach.
Five games on the road
FC Montreal will play five games on the road in five weeks before playing in its new Complexe sportif Claude-Robillard home.
“We will play five games on the road, which is always good for team spirit, but we also know that it’s always a bit harder to win on the road,” explained Eullaffroy. “We would have liked to get started with a point or two.
“What’s good is that half the players already experienced trips last year. It won’t be a surprise, and they’ll know how to deal with this. Those are five weeks when we come back between the games, but overall, we will be away for a total of two weeks. It’s important to build that team spirit again when we are back and to keep the players who don’t travel involved. That’s where the challenge lies.”
The first trips of the season are also a way to unofficially launch the season. The team comes out of its comfort zone and goes on the road, where it faces new challenges in terms of preparation, travel management and nutrition. This year, Benoit Deplagne, the new fitness coach for the USL team, will be tasked, along with the rest of the technical staff, to keep the team as sharp and as efficient as possible on the road.
