April 18, 2026
CF Montreal dismantle New York Red Bull at Stade Saputo by a score of 4 to 1.
It would seem that CF Montreal enjoying playing the New York Red Bull – this season anyway. As once again, Montreal found a way to better the New York side.
This was to be CF Montreal’s first win under interim head coach Philippe Eullaffroy, who explored different field formations than his predecessor, which appeared to allow his squad more freedom to express themselves out on the pitch.
See Also: Canada and Iceland battle to a draw at BMO Field
Eullaffroy has done away with the man-to-man coverage that was so harshly scrutinized when used by former coach Marco Donadel, and has said he wishes to implore a more simplistic game, that will focus more on offense rather than defense. Something the fans will surely love to see, and will give the 1642 crew more chances to ring their iconic bell. Things in Montreal could start to get much more interesting in the very near future.
CF Montreal’s new approach directly lead to the first goal of the match, just five minutes in, when Montreal’s early sustained pressure caused Red Bull star Emil Forsberg to turn over the ball, leaving Victor Loturi all alone and open to fire off an uncontested shot from just outside the penalty area, where he was never going to make a mistake. That play alone gave Montreal the confidence in needed, and the fan support to pass on in the game and continue to put New York in tough spots.
Following the goal, however, the momentum began to sway towards the New York Red Bull who were now pressing Montreal hard, looking to equalize. Despite new coach Eullaffroy stating that he, in his own words, isn’t much of a defensive coach, Montreal remained composed under pressure and played a fairly strong defensive system.
Now away from the anchor of the man-to-man system, Montreal seemed to enjoy the more simplistic approach. New York’s pressure again backfired when a counter attack by Montreal lead to Dawid Bugaj’s crossing a ball into the New York Red Bull box, that lead to a hand ball from Dylan Nealis, and the referee straight away pointing to the penalty spot. Prince Owusu walked up to the challenge, gave it a little stutter step before placing the ball into the bottom corner of the net, and Montreal now lead by a brace.
Montreal’s counters were causing the New York Red Bull troubles all match long, and their third tally of the day would be no different. This time, Prince Owusu found space to charge down field with the ball at his feet, just one New York defender back, and all the time in the world to slot the ball over to Englishman Mattty Longstaff who blasted it into the top of the Red Bull goal. The lead was now three goals to nil.
The Red Bull got themselves onto the scoreboard by way of an own goal when Matty Longstaff unfortunately deflected the ball beyond the reach of his own goalkeeper on a fairly innocent looking play. Sometimes the ball bounces the way it wishes to.
The New York Red Bull continue to press CF Montreal, looking to narrow the gap even more in hopes of salvaging something from this match, and that lead to the Red Bull getting caught out. This time, Mahala Opoku, who had come on as a substitute, found the ball at his feet curtesy once more of Prince Owusu, and with no goalkeeper in sight. Opoku popped the ball into the back of the gapping goalmouth, restoring Montreal’s three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour to play.
It was Opoku’s first tally since August of 2024.
While CF Montreal’s from last season have continued into this, one thing they haven’t struggled with is containing the New York Red Bull. Both of Montreal’s win this season have come against the New York Red Bull, who have allowed seven goals the Quebecois side in that span.
Read More:
>> Canada and Iceland battle to a draw at BMO Field
>> Montreal’s Red Bull Heavy Metal draws massive crowds
>> CF Montreal embarrassed in season opener in San Diego
Despite it being just their second victory in the opening eight matches of the season, the win moves CF Montreal into eleventh seed in the Eastern conference, only three points back of the New York Red Bull who now occupy the eight ranking in the same division.
CF Montreal are next in action next Saturday afternoon, when they welcome the other team New York squad, New York City FC to Stade Saputo for an afternoon tilt that kicks off at 2:30pm. The New York Red Bull meanwhile, next take to the pitch against D.C United in New York on Wednesday, April 22nd at 7:30pm.
