CF Montréal in Survival Mode with One Last Shot at the Playoffs

When CF Montréal steps onto the field this Saturday against New York City FC, it won’t just be another game on the MLS calendar. This match is do-or-die for the Canadian side. Either they pull off something special and lock in their playoff spot, or they'll be sitting at home, remote in hand, watching other teams fight for the trophy they've dreamed of lifting.

What's interesting here is how CF Montréal's season has been a real roller coaster. They've swung from solid wins to frustrating losses. Now, they find themselves in a spot no one wants to be in tied with D.C. United and in desperate need of a miracle or, at the very least, a scrappy draw against NYCFC. Sure, New York City FC is already in the playoffs, but don’t think for a second they’re going to take it easy. They're coming to play hard and improve their position, gunning for that home-field advantage in the next round. In other words, CF Montréal is facing a team that, even though they’ve clinched, isn’t about to ease up.

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All the pressure is on Montréal. The team, which has shown they’re tough to beat at home, hasn’t conceded a goal at Stade Saputo for a solid 235 minutes. Goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois has been stepping up, and the defense has been like a brick wall. NYCFC’s coach, Nick Cushing, has already warned that CF Montréal will be fired up. And how could they not be? It’s a home game, the stadium is packed for the 17th time in a row, and these guys need a good result to keep their playoff dreams alive.

But grit alone won’t cut it. Montréal's gonna need a bit of luck too. Missing Nathan Saliba, who’s out due to suspension from yellow card accumulation, could hurt their midfield and throw things off balance. And yeah, even if they lose, there’s still a glimmer of hope. If both Philadelphia Union and Atlanta United also lose, Montréal sneaks in.

Now, on the other side of the field, we've got New York City FC, a team that’s already punched their playoff ticket and has nothing to lose. They’re relaxed, with no pressure, but they know a win would put them in a better spot in the standings. Who doesn’t want to start the playoffs with home-field advantage? Cushing has made it clear his squad is going all out to keep the momentum from their recent wins. They’re coming off three huge victories, including a historic derby win against the Red Bulls, which gave them that extra push heading into the season’s final stretch.

Look, I’d say NYCFC is the classic "spoiler" in this story. They knocked CF Montréal out of the playoffs in 2022, and they could easily do it again this time, in the last game of the regular season. They’ve got a solid defense, they know how to control possession, and while they’re not the most attacking team in the league, they create just enough chances to score when it counts.

For CF Montréal, winning on Saturday isn’t just about staying in the competition. It would also be proof that, despite a shaky season, they can rise to the occasion when it matters most. At the same time, for New York City FC, this game is another chance to show they’re the real deal, focused and determined, even when they’ve already secured a playoff spot.

No matter how you slice it, this game is about more than three points. It's about an entire season; it’s about a team’s reputation.