MONTREAL — CF Montreal is embarking on a difficult rebuilding journey after one of the worst seasons in club history during 2025. The team’s long-awaited fresh start will be put to the test this Saturday when they open their Major League Soccer campaign on the road against San Diego FC, marking a critical moment for the club’s new roster and strategies.
New Additions and Departures Mark a Season of Transition
The club’s rebuilding efforts involved significant roster changes, including the departure of breakout forward Dante Sealy, who was traded to the Colorado Rapids for US$2.5 million in General Allocation Money (GAM). With additional financial flexibility and roster spots, Montreal returned confidently to the MLS trade market, an area where they have historically thrived.
Managing Director Luca Saputo acknowledged the club’s growing reputation in player acquisitions.
“When we speak to teams about players we have an interest in, we feel like there’s a bit of a back off because of the success we’ve had with some of the trades,”
Saputo said.
“Some teams see an opportunity with us because of what we’ve been able to do with players coming and eventually being sold elsewhere or doing really well here.”
This winter, the club strengthened the squad by signing forwards Daniel Rios and Noah Streit, midfielders Wiki Carmona and Ivan Losenko, and defenders Brayan Vera, Thomas Aviles, and Dangur Thorhallsson. These additions target the weaknesses that contributed to their disappointing finish last year.
Preseason Optimism Highlights Progress and Cohesion
Coach Marco Donadel expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparation during an extended preseason period.
“It was a long pre-season, but I think it was very good work on and off the field. We used our time perfectly (…) this is like a brand-new experience,”
Donadel remarked.
“I’m very satisfied with our current situation, but also curious about our first real test. We’re happy with training and pre-season games, but San Diego is a different challenge.”
Goalkeeper Thomas Gillier, a key figure behind a revamped defensive line, also expressed positivity.
“I’m really positive about the training camp as a whole and optimistic about the challenges ahead of us,”
Gillier said. He emphasized how the team concentrated on integrating new players quickly.
“Our preparation has gone really well and focused a lot on helping the new players adapt, and I’m convinced that it’s gone very well both as part of the group but also understanding the identity of the club and our style of play.”
Experience Added to Youthful Squad to Boost Stability
Having been the youngest team in the league last season, Montreal targeted experienced MLS players to complement their youthful core. Rios, Carmona, Vera, Aviles, and Thorhallsson bring multiple seasons of league experience, which should help smooth the team’s adaptation to Donadel’s high-risk, high-reward tactical approach.
The Italian coach’s strategy involves aggressive pressing and regaining possession in forward areas to create scoring chances, a system that requires cohesion and tactical discipline. Donadel is encouraged by how swiftly the squad adopted his style during preseason.
Offensive Improvements Key to Overcoming Past Struggles
One of Montreal’s main challenges last year was poor offensive efficiency, where the club ranked near the bottom for goals scored and chance conversion. Despite team struggles, Prince Owusu emerged as a bright spot by netting 17 goals and providing six assists, earning club MVP honors.
Owusu maintained strong form throughout the preseason, helping Montreal score in all five exhibition matches, including wins against MLS opponents. He stated,
“It makes life a lot harder for other teams to not just focus on one or two, but multiple players. It’s already more difficult to find a solution to defend against us.”
Owusu emphasized the team’s internal determination:
“We have our own motivation and our own goals that we talked about as a team, and those things are more important (than the media’s unfavourable predictions).”
Key Players Expected to Lead Attacking Core
Designated Player Ivan Jaime is fit for the season opener and will be counted on heavily as a creative leader alongside promising young forwards Hennadiy and Olger Escobar, who impressed in limited minutes last year. The addition of winger Noah Streit, acquired from FC Basel, along with midfielder Wiki Carmona, gives Montreal more technical depth in attack.
Road Ahead Hinges on Performance Against San Diego FC
As CF Montreal faces its San Diego FC season opener, all eyes will be on how well the extensive offseason changes translate into results on the field. The club’s ambitious rebuild, led by Marco Donadel, aims to correct past inconsistencies and establish a more competitive footing in MLS. Success or failure in this match could set the tone for the rest of the year, shaping the team’s confidence and momentum moving forward.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 20, 2026.
