Match Preview: MNUFC vs CF Montréal

Minnesota and Montréal enter this week early in the season with identical 0-1 records after suffering one goal losses the previous weekend. MNUFC dropped their season opener to Los Angeles FC, after a late goal from the black and gold. While the former Impact fell 3-2 away to Atlanta United after a back and forth affair that saw the sides trade goals.. The visitors also enter their second match in an eight match swing away from home to open the season. Montréal won’t host a league match at Stade Saputo until the 12th of April.

After a 7-6-4 (W-L-D) season at home in 2024, Minnesota is looking to redeem themselves and turn Allianz Field into a much tougher place to play. “We have to make sure this year that at home it feels like, to use a cliche, it really feels like a fortress because that obviously cost us last year until we hit the latter months of the season and we found our stride,” said Eric Ramsey. On the other hand last year’s Montréal side finished a horrid 3-9-5 away from their Québec home ground.

Availability

While there are no new injuries for the visiting side, the Loons are not as fortunate. After being subbed off at half time of the season opener, Joseph Rosales is expected to be out for 2-3 weeks as reported by Jon Marthaler.

#MNUFC training report: "Could be better, could be worse" for Joseph Rosales, according to manager Eric Ramsay. The left back didn't train today, and may be out 2-3 weeks.Center back Kipp Keller is rehabbing his hamstring with MNUFC2, and may get some minutes with them as he recovers.

— Jon Marthaler (@jonmarthaler.com) 2025-02-25T18:24:52.561Z

“I think that was the nice thing about us ending off so well last year and kind of extending that [season]. We didn’t lose our rhythm versus when you have that extended period of time [in the offseason],” said goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. “Going into this year, there was more continuity which allowed us to succeed and pick up that rhythm a little quicker than in the past.”

Availability

MIN | Out: Keller (leg), Rosales (leg), Taylor (leg); Questionable: Mesanvi (ankle)

MTL | Out: Neal (knee), Vrioni (groin); Questionable: Vilsaint (knee)

Staff Predictions

Michael Lake: 2-1 Loons, all goals in second half

Bridget McDowell: 2-1 Loons

Tim McLaughlin: nil-nil draw

Ashle Paige: 2-2 draw

Seth Steffengahen: 3-1 Loons