The wait is finally over for CF Montreal fans hoping their club to do as well as last year. The Bleu-Blanc-Noir will return to Major League Soccer (MLS) grounds for their first clash of the 2023 season on Saturday.

Here are five key points and a few questions for fans to anticipate as the year begins:

The start of the season

Before enjoying the best regular season of their brief existence, CF Montreal had a rocky start to 2022, to say the least. They lost their first three games, including the opener against Orlando City SC. However, the ensuing streak of eight games unbeaten certainly sweetened the pill.

Inter Miami CF will be the first Test for Hernan Losada’s side on Saturday. Against this formation, the Montreal team completed the regular schedule with a 3-1 win in October.

Sean Rea as Ismael Kone?

Attacking midfielder Matko Miljevic’s injury could help youngster Sean Rea find a job quickly. The 20-year-old Montreal native seems to have all the necessary ingredients to play with the big club after two good seasons in the Canadian Premier League.

Rea could thus go through the same growth curve as Ismaël Koné, who took the opportunity in March 2022 to make himself indispensable in the eyes of head coach Wilfried Nancy. Several other young people like Rida Zouhir and Nathan Saliba will also try to charm Losada.

The second attacker

With Kei Kamara gone, who will stand out behind Romell Quioto, the team’s No. 1 forward? Mason Toye should get more playing time but he still has work to do to prove he can make a consistent contribution.

Back from his loan, Chinonso Offor surprised more than one with his quality on the ball. The Nigerian and his compatriot Sunusi Ibrahim will be on the lookout for a drop in the pecking order above them.

A complete defense

Like last year, CF Montreal appear to be brimming with defensive talent with Canada internationals Kamal Miller, Joel Waterman and Zachary Brault-Guillard. Veteran Rudy Camacho is still well placed in the center and we also have to wonder about Quebec’s Mathieu Choinière, who has gained positions in recent years, including in defense on the wings.

His two biggest signings of the offseason, CF Montreal, made it into defence. Rising George Campbell can serve as a backup for the aforementioned players and Aaron Herrera is expected to quickly fill the same roles as Alistair Johnston did last year.

Pantemis forever?

James Pantemis was to be in the goalkeeper’s chair for the first time in the Bleu Blanc Noir starting XI. It’s a position the team hasn’t had much stability in since the Evan Bush era.

The Montreal native had to wait behind Sebastian Breza in 2022 before taking his season-ending job. Jonathan Sirois and Logan Ketterer shouldn’t warm up as much from the bench and could get a few starts.