Match Preview: Philadelphia Union vs CF Montréal
Who: CF Montréal vs Philadelphia Union
What: MLS Regular Season – Matchday 11
Where: Stade Saputo, Montreal, Quebec
When: Saturday, May 3 – 7:30 PM ET
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Listen: 97.5 The Fanatic FM
Referee: To be announced
Momentum Meets Desperation
The Philadelphia Union head into Matchday 11 with wind in their sails after back-to-back 3-0 wins over Eastern Conference rivals. Confidence is high in the Union camp, and they’ll look to keep the momentum rolling with a trip to struggling CF Montréal — a side still searching for their first league win of the season.
Scouting Report: CF Montréal
It’s been a rough start to 2025 for Montréal. Winless through ten games (0W-3D-7L), the Canadian club sits bottom of the Eastern Conference and has scored just four goals all season. Following a disappointing start, head coach Laurent Courtois was dismissed after only five games. Interim boss Marco Donadel has stepped in, and while league results haven’t improved, a penalty shootout win over Toronto FC midweek in the Canadian Championship may offer a glimmer of hope.
Montréal’s roster is a blend of underachieving young talent and budget-conscious MLS veterans — including former Union defender Brandan Craig and journeyman Fabian Herbers. Their attacking struggles have largely stemmed from the absence of Giacomo Vrioni, the club’s lone Designated Player, who recently returned from a long-term injury. Vrioni made an immediate impact, scoring a stunning volley against Toronto. While he may not yet be ready to start, his presence off the bench could pose a threat.
Unavailable:
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Bryce Duke – Lower body (Out)
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Hennadii Synchuk – Lower body (Out)
Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union
The Union’s recent form is strong, but their most recent 3-0 victory may have flattered the performance. It took moments of brilliance up front and another standout display from Andre Blake in goal to seal the result. Still, this team is tied for the best 10-game start in club history, and the analytics support their high standing.
This weekend, expect Luka Jovic to return to the starting XI after serving a one-game suspension. On defense, Frankie Westfield continues to impress, meaning Nathan Harriel will likely stay at center back, where he’s quietly having a breakout year.
Up top, the situation is a bit murkier. Tai Baribo, co-leader in the MLS Golden Boot race, is almost undroppable, while record signing Bruno Damiani made a strong case for more minutes with a physical goal-scoring cameo last week. However, both players seem to thrive alongside Mikael Uhre rather than each other, so expect Baribo and Uhre to start again, with Damiani possibly featuring in Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup clash against Indy Eleven.
Unavailable:
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Ian Glavinovich – Knee (Out)
Key Matchup: Quinn Sullivan vs Samuel Piette
Montreal captain Samuel Piette is a defensive stalwart — a physical, disciplined midfielder with years of MLS experience. He’ll be tasked with shadowing Quinn Sullivan, the Union’s most dynamic creative outlet from midfield. If Piette can limit Sullivan’s space and time on the ball, Philadelphia may struggle to generate fluid attacking sequences through the center.
Player to Watch: Danley Jean Jacques
A surprise contributor in recent weeks, Danley Jean Jacques is quietly becoming one of the Union’s most valuable midfielders. While it’s uncertain whether he can extend his goal-scoring streak to three games, his defensive impact alone justifies his starting spot. Watch for him to disrupt Montréal’s buildup and recycle possession with efficiency.
Prediction: CF Montréal 0 – 2 Philadelphia Union
While this has the makings of a classic trap game, the Union’s form, depth, and discipline should carry them through. Montréal will need more than midweek cup momentum to break their winless streak, while the Union stay hot and keep pace at the top of the East.
