CF Montréal Breaks Season Drought with Commanding Victory Over Red Bulls
After a disheartening start to the 2026 Major League Soccer season, CF Montréal has finally broken through with its first win, delivering a stunning 3-0 shutout against the New York Red Bulls. The match, held at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, on Sunday, saw former Red Bulls player Wiki Carmona score two crucial goals against his old team, igniting hope for a turnaround after early struggles.
Early Struggles Give Way to a Resurgent Performance
CF Montréal entered this game under a cloud of concern, having failed to score in its first two matches of the season while conceding eight goals. This poor start echoed the team's disappointing 2025 campaign, which yielded only six wins in 34 games. However, the squad silenced critics with a dominant display, raising eyebrows and lifting spirits among fans.
Prince Owusu set the tone early, converting a penalty kick just three minutes into the match after Ivan Jaime was tripped by Justin Che in the penalty area. This quick strike gave Montréal an immediate advantage and set the stage for a more aggressive offensive approach.
Wiki Carmona Shines Against Former Club
Carmona, facing his former teammates, doubled the lead in the 44th minute with a precise free kick from the side of the penalty area. He nearly added another goal in the 58th minute after breaking through the defense, but his shot went wide. Undeterred, Carmona sealed the victory in the 68th minute by intercepting a pass from New York's goalkeeper to Adri Mehmeti and calmly scoring from the penalty spot.
His performance was a highlight of the match, demonstrating both skill and determination as he capitalized on key opportunities to secure the win.
Defensive Resilience Secures the Shutout
Despite New York dominating possession with 62.6% compared to Montréal's 37.4%, the Red Bulls were unable to break through Montréal's stout defense. Goalkeeper Thomas Gillier played a pivotal role, making only five saves but including a critical stop in the ninth minute on a shot from Emil Forsberg just outside the penalty area. Gillier's diving save preserved the clean sheet and underscored the team's improved defensive coordination.
The victory propels CF Montréal to 10th place in the Eastern Conference, offering a much-needed boost in morale. The team now looks ahead to its next challenge against Orlando City SC, which remains winless in three games, scheduled for Saturday. Following that, Montréal has two more road matches before its home opener against Philadelphia on April 11.
This win not only marks a positive shift in the season but also signals potential for a more competitive campaign ahead, as the team builds on this momentum to address early shortcomings and aim for higher standings in the MLS.
