CF Montreal's Coaching Carousel Continues Amidst Dismal Start
In a move that has become all too familiar for fans, CF Montreal announced the dismissal of head coach Marco Donadel on Sunday, following a 2-1 loss to the Philadelphia Union. This defeat marked the team's fifth loss in their opening six matches of the MLS season, including heavy defeats of 5-0 and 3-0, leaving the club in a precarious position near the bottom of the league standings.
The decision came after the club broke with league custom by not making Donadel or any staff available to the media post-match, signaling internal turmoil. Donadel's tenure, which began with an interim stint yielding just 34 points from 35 games across all competitions, ended with a points-per-game rate of 0.88, the lowest among the 11 coaches who have led Montreal since their 2012 MLS debut.
A History of Instability and Underperformance
CF Montreal, formerly known as the Montreal Impact until a controversial rebranding in 2021, has long struggled to keep pace with the evolving MLS landscape. The club has reached the playoffs only four times in 13 seasons, with their most successful coach, Wilfried Nancy, averaging 1.4 points per game—a rate that still fell short of playoff qualification in the Eastern Conference last year.
Compounding their on-field issues, Montreal boasts the league's lowest payroll at $12 million and has never announced a record signing, with Transfermarkt estimating no acquisition exceeding $4 million. Their academy system has produced just three homegrown players with limited minutes, further hampering development.
Ownership Focus Diverted to Bologna FC
The club's owner, Joey Saputo, has invested significantly in Bologna FC, the Italian Serie A team where he serves as majority shareholder and chair. While his sons manage Montreal's sporting hierarchy, the MLS side has not benefited from this association, as Bologna enjoyed Champions League football and Coppa Italia success last season. This disparity has left CF Montreal feeling neglected in a market still sensitive from the Expos' relocation two decades ago.
MLS Weekend Highlights: Timbers and Quakes Shine
Elsewhere in the league, the Portland Timbers capitalized on a rotated LAFC lineup to secure a 2-1 victory, ending their winless streak of five games. Kevin Kelsy scored a late winner, prompting relief from coach Phil Neville, as the Timbers moved closer to playoff contention.
In San Jose, Bruce Arena continued his second-season magic, guiding the Earthquakes to a 3-1 win over Kansas City. With 18 points and only two goals conceded, San Jose's domestic core, including standout performances from Niko Tsakiris and Beau Leroux, has made them a formidable force early in the season.
Odds and Ends from Around the League
Inter Miami remains winless at their new stadium after a 2-2 draw with Red Bull New York, while Colorado Rapids dominated Houston 6-2 in a high-scoring affair. As MLS teams enter the US Open Cup this week, partial participation continues, with defending champion Nashville SC absent due to Concacaf Champions Cup commitments.
This weekend's action underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of MLS, where coaching changes and surprise results keep fans on the edge of their seats.
