It was an away day to forget for the Loons, as Minnesota United fell 4-0 at Stade Saputo tonight to an energetic CF Montréal side. Two strikes from former Loon Mason Toye set the tone for the hosts, leaving MNUFC reeling and without any tangible response. 

While the final score suggests a complete performance from the Canadians, the start of tonight’s match was sloppy for both sides, with careless giveaways forcing some careful last-ditch defensive efforts from center backs on either side of the pitch. Within the first five minutes, either team could have easily found themselves up 1-0. 

Unfortunately for the Loons, though, the opener fell to the hosts. Mason Toye took advantage of some confusion in the back in the 7th minute, managing to direct the ball over a sliding DJ Taylor and the incoming Dayne St. Clair.

The nightmare start got even worse in the 13th minute, when Gabriele Corbo’s cross-field through ball put Canadian international Zachary Brault-Gillard in with just the keeper to beat. His neat finish extended Montréal’s lead to two, with the hosts looking smooth and confident. 

Despite the deficit, the Loons stuck to their game plan. Montréal wasn’t dominating; they were simply taking advantage of the chances they created. The hosts scored with their first two shots on target, a boost that would put a pep in any team’s step. 

That boost was palpable throughout the remainder of the first half, with Montréal’s ball movement and general effort edging the visitors every step of the way. There were encouraging signs from the Loons, but it was going to take something special for the comeback to come to fruition. 

The introduction of Emanuel Reynoso at halftime definitely sparked the Black and Blue, with some nice combinations and close calls encouraging the visitors in the first 10 minutes of the half. Nothing came out of the Loons’ play, though, and another goal from Toye in the 57th minute took most of the air out of the game. 

A fantastic night from Montréal’s young keeper, Jonathan Sirois, preserved the clean sheet for the home side, making an already frustrating night even worse for the Loons. By the time Rudy Camacho scored the fourth goal in the 76th minute, the game was essentially over. 

While the result is tough to swallow, the match wasn’t devoid of positives for MNUFC. Reynoso’s second game back showed that his quality hasn’t gone anywhere, with his passing ability and next-level creativity shining through on multiple occasions. Substitute appearances from Devin Padelford and Emmanuel Iwe gave the young Loons some valuable experience, if nothing else. 

The Loons’ finishing issues remained on the night, nullifying their ability to create chances. They could have easily come away from this game with a couple of goals of their own, but that final touch continued to elude everyone on the roster. 

With a break before their next match, Minnesota United will look to rest up and come back stronger when they take on Real Salt Lake at America First Field on June 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CT, with the game available for streaming exclusively on MLS Season Pass. 

UP NEXT

Real Salt Lake vs. Minnesota United

America First Field | Sandy, Utah

06.24.23 | MLS Game 17

8:30 pm CT (Watch free on AppleTV’s MLS Season Pass)