August 16, 2025
DC United and CF Montreal draw at Stade Saputo
In a battle of the two lowest seeded teams in the Eastern conference of the MLS, the visiting DC United played CF Montreal to a hard fought draw at Stade Saputo.
Tonight saw René Weiler make his debut as the new head coach of DC United, who came into the match-up at Stade Saputo having lost their last six matches, and are winless in their last ten games. While CF Montreal themselves have only one win at home in the regular season and are winless in three matches, including two Leagues Cup matches that saw them lose to Liga MX sides Toluca and Puebla. Both teams were to improve on those statistics tonight.
See Also: CF Montreal acquire Matty Longstaff from Toronto FC
DC United opened the scoring when Jackson Hopkins notched a goal in the 28th minute. A defensive gaff from Montreal’s Brendan Craig left a wide open space in the middle of the field that Hopkins used used like a highway towards the net, blasting a beautiful shot from just outside of the box that gave Thomas Gillier no hope of a save.
A pair of golden opportunities in the 39th minute for Hennadii Synchuk came within a whisker of pulling Montreal level, but both missed their mark. At just 19 years of age, Synchuk continues to impress as he looks to be growing more and more comfortable at the club.
Just before the half, CF Montreal drew level off of a goal in the 41st minute from Luca Petrasso, that came from a brilliant play from acting captain Prince Owusu. Owusu stormed at the DC United defenders, taking on two before slotting a sugar-sweet pass to his left, right onto the boot of Petrasso who slotted the ball home and made it look easy in the process.
The second half saw both sides find chances but neither of them could find the twine, as shots either went wide or were parried away by an impressive goalkeeping display at both ends of the field. Both sides came close to tallying, but close doesn’t count for much.
Newly acquired Matty Longstaff, former midfielder for Newcastle United and Toronto FC, made his debut for CF Montreal, coming on as a substitution for Bryce Duke in the 61st minute, and he made an immediate difference. Longstaff found solid passing lanes to his left and his right that lead to chances for his new squad, despite none of them finding the back of the net. Still, in his early minutes, Longstaff looks like a player this team has sorely been in need of since the injuries to Fabian Herbers.
Read More:
>> CF Montreal apologizes to fans, promises rebuild
>> Efrain Morales signs multi-year contract extension with CF Montreal
>> Atlanta United and CF Montreal play to a draw at Stade Saputo
While equal on points, CF Montreal edges ahead of DC United, as the blue and black finally get themselves slightly out of the Eastern conference basement. Yet, with rumors of possible players moving out of Montreal, for long that might last is anyone’s guess. Team management has promised fans that there would be a rebuild coming, and it looks as if that might be starting immediately. More to come on that front.
CF Montreal will remain in town and host the visiting Austin FC on August 23rd at Stade Saputo. Meanwhile, DC United will face Lionel Messi and Inter Miami at home in Washington that same day.
