D.C. United and CF Montreal share the spoils as United snaps a six-game losing streak

D.C. United came into the game against CF Montreal on Saturday night trying to reverse a six-game losing streak that dates back to July. They were looking to reverse their fortunes against the Canadian side, who themselves have had a less-than-stellar season as both teams sit bottom of the Eastern Conference. 

Lucas MacNaughton makes his return from Injury against CF Montreal. Photo Credit: D.C. United

In their second match of the season, both Montreal and D.C. were unable to break the deadlock as both teams settled for a 1-1 draw at Saputo Stadium in Montreal. 

Both teams played to a scoreless draw back in March at Audi Field. 

Weiler takes charge

Back in mid-July, D.C. United announced the hiring of Swiss head coach René Weiler as their new head coach following the dismissal of Troy Lesesne. After weeks of waiting to get his work permit, Weiler officially took over as head coach and made his debut on the sideline as United’s main man in charge Saturday night. He also took the helm earlier in the week, taking over for Kevin Flanigan, who was the club’s interim head coach while Weiler waited to receive his work permit.  

“Yeah, it was stressful, of course, but now I've started and yeah. It happens very quickly; you don't have time to think about it, and you have to move on.” Said Weiler, “Now I had the first game here and a few training sessions. So, everything is OK.” 

Before taking the United job, Weiler was the head coach and sporting director of Servette FC in his native Switzerland, leading them to a Swiss Cup trophy in 2024. Weiler has also had coaching stints in Egypt, Germany, Belgium, and Japan. 

The Game 

Montreal would have the first scoring opportunity of the game, as Dante Sealy played a through ball to Prince Owusu inside the box, but Owusu’s shot would be smothered by Luis Barraza as he denied Montreal the opportunity to open up the scoring. 

D.C. would open up the scoring in the 28th minute, as the Montreal defense tried to clear the ball from their territory; however, Brandon Servania jumped over a Montreal player to win the ball in midfield, heading the ball in the direction of Jackson Hopkins. Hopkins drove into an open pocket of space outside the Montreal box and shot the ball from distance, beating goalkeeper Thomas Gillier to open up the scoring. The moment was a special one for Hopkins as the 21-year-old D.C. United Academy product notched his first career MLS goal. 

D.C. almost scored a second goal as an Aaron Herrera free kick found Antley open inside the box, but his shot would go over the crossbar and out of play. 

Montreal would tie the game in the 41st minute. After a miscommunication between Herrera and Lucas MacNaughton on their end, the ball was intercepted by Caden Clarke, who laid the ball off to Owusu. Owusu played the ball inside the box to an incoming Luca Petrasso, who slotted the ball past Barraza and into the back of the net to tie the game.

Despite creating several goal-scoring opportunities, neither team was able to break the deadlock, keeping the game tied after 90 minutes.  

“It was a good game. I think we deserve at least that point. The goal we got before the half-time was a simple mistake that was a pity, but at the end it was important for the team that we won at least one point after the last few results,” said Weiler. 

With this result, D.C. remains bottom of the Eastern Conference with Montreal, both teams tied with 20 points. Montreal is ahead of D.C. in 14th place due to goal differential. 

What's Next 

D.C. United will come back home to Audi Field next Saturday when they play host to Leo Messi & Co. as Inter Miami comes into town. 

“I can't change too much from one day to the next. Of course, I will have the full week to train with the team, but it needs some more time to get to know everything and the players.” Said Weiler, “Big game against Miami, so we have to try to prepare ourselves from the best side and search for the next good result.”

The game against Inter Miami will take place next Saturday, August 23rd, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 pm.