CF Montreal v Chicago Hearth: Donadel and Waterman optimistic regardless of Philadelphia defeat
CF Montreal head coach Marco Donadel and defender Joel Waterman remained optimistic regardless of a defeat to the Philadelphia Union final day trip.
Montreal, who’re backside of the Jap Convention, misplaced 2-1 to table-topping Philadelphia in a carefully contested match in midweek. Montreal produced 1.5 anticipated targets (xG), barely decrease than the Union’s 1.6.
Though they misplaced the match, Montreal prolonged their scoring run to 6 video games and confirmed they will compete towards the perfect within the league.
Donadel was proud to see his Montreal facet proceed to chase the match somewhat than sit again and settle for defeat, whereas Waterman, who assisted Prince Owusu’s purpose, is hoping to maintain their efforts going into their subsequent sport towards the Chicago Hearth.
“The blokes wished to come back right here and battle on the similar stage of the first-placed group within the standings to point out one thing,” mentioned Donadel.
“We wished to come back right here to attempt to win, to attempt to get factors, and the blokes have proven this on the sphere. I’m very completely happy, particularly as a result of we confirmed that after we went down 2-1, chasing the sport, we may create plenty of probabilities.
“As quickly as they gave us a little bit of area, the gamers recognised the likelihood to play. We tried to point out what we will do, and we fought.”
Waterman added: “It’s very disappointing, however there’s a lot to be pleased with in that efficiency too. They’re first within the league for a cause, they usually do plenty of the little issues very well.
“Once you go toe to toe with the perfect of the perfect within the league, it’s one thing you’re pleased with, however on the similar time, we’re not glad. I don’t need the boys to really feel glad in any respect.
“One factor we will’t fault is the trouble, and towards a very good group. We have now one other sport on Saturday, so we’ll attempt to be taught loads like at all times, and we’ll transfer ahead.”
De retour à la maison après quelques jours sur la route
Again to Centre Nutrilait after an extended highway journey #CFMTL pic.twitter.com/9mmXzTygG2
— CF Montréal (@cfmontreal) July 17, 2025
Playoff-chasing Chicago Hearth had been dealt a late blow of their final sport towards Atlanta United after conceding a 94th-minute equaliser.
The Hearth at the moment are 4 factors behind Charlotte FC in ninth, however have performed one sport fewer than their counterparts.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
CF Montreal – Prince Owusu
Prince Owusu has been a key performer for Montreal this season. He leads the membership with 10 targets, three of which have been the essential first of the match.
The German ahead has scored in six of his final seven matches in all competitions, discovering the online eight instances throughout these video games.
Chicago Hearth – Philip Zinckernagel
Philip Zinckernagel has been one in all Chicago’s main attacking threats this season, offering 10 targets and eight assists.
Zinckernagel scored on a nook kick simply 62 seconds into Wednesday’s draw with Atlanta. It was the quickest Olimpico in MLS play over the past 15 seasons.
MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW
Montreal have received simply one in all their first 10 dwelling matches this common season (D3 L6). Coming into this season, solely Tampa Bay (4) in 2001 had collected fewer factors of their first 10 dwelling video games of a season in MLS historical past.
The Hearth surrendered two totally different one-goal leads of their 2-2 draw at Atlanta on Wednesday. It was the sixth time this season that Chicago has didn’t win an MLS match it had a lead in, tied for essentially the most such video games in 2025 with Orlando Metropolis, Actual Salt Lake and St. Louis Metropolis SC.
Montreal have received 5 of their final six true dwelling matches (in Montreal) towards Chicago (D1), relationship again to 2018. Montreal have misplaced solely two of their 15 all-time true dwelling matches towards the Hearth (W10 D3).
Of their final six league matches, Montreal have received two, drawn one and misplaced three. Chicago, in the meantime, have received one, drawn one and misplaced 4 of their final six.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
CF Montreal – 36.5%
Draw – 26.2%
Chicago Hearth – 37.3%
