It’s time for a reunion between Kamal Miller, Bryce Duke, Ariel Lassiter and their former Montreal CF and Inter Miami CF teammates. Having completed a swap earlier this year, the two teams now find themselves in a similar situation.
After 13 games, these formations are tied on 15 points, with five wins and eight losses. However, the goal difference goes in favor of Miami, who signed Kamal Miller, one of CF Montreal’s best defenders, in April.
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“Kamal is back, it will be nice to see him again. We had a great time together so it will be “cool” to see him again on Saturday. Let’s hope he makes a bad game,” defender Rudy Camacho said with a wink at a press conference on Friday.
The Ontario native spent just over two seasons in Montreal, excelling at the Major League Soccer (MLS) level by being invited to the recent All-Star Game, but also internationally by participating in the Coupe of the World.
Head coach Hernan Losada can empathize with his players, having faced former team-mates throughout his career.
“There is always something special because you play against players you know very well. Sometimes you even play against friends, people you keep in touch with,” said the Argentine, who is planning a “different” game.
“It’s going to be fun. I was there not long ago,” said Duke, who preferred to travel to Quebec from Florida. It’s going to be a good game. Both teams are in a similar situation and need points. I can’t wait to jump on the pitch and play against my former teammates.”
The attack, the question mark
If Losada says Inter Miami can count on “two of the best attackers in the league” in Leonardo Campana and Josef Martinez, CF Montreal will be at a loss as to which foot to dance in that position. Last year’s best player, Romell Quioto, is sidelined indefinitely with injury.
“[Ce ne sont] no good news. A hamstring injury will take a long time. “I don’t want to give a specific timetable, but it will definitely take longer than the injury last time,” said Losada, referring to Quioto’s other thigh, who was sidelined for a month in April.
Fatigue is starting to set in due to the overlap between the MLS schedule and the Canadian Championship. Wednesday’s win over Forge FC felt good, but Losada needs to keep making rotations.
“Injuries are the only thing we don’t want at the moment, but you need results and points,” assured the coach.
CF Montreal hosts Inter Miami CF on Saturday at Stade Saputo.
