CF Montreal: Coach Laurent Courtois is pleased with the level of collective play

“Physically, the guys are exactly at the level I expected in terms of intentions,” Courtois said in a video conference on Friday. Having said that, I’m sure we can be much better in execution.

“On a case-by-case basis, there are elements where we want to be a little more competitive. But collectively we are exactly where myself and the staff wanted to get the guys.”

“In a few weeks, other things can be discussed,” he continued. The other teams are improving and they will adjust.”

CF is 2-1-1 after a 4-3 loss at Chicago on March 16.

“The very near future will tell us whether the break was beneficial or not,” Courtois said. But I think that in the long term it was mandatory, and it was certainly positive.

“If only for newcomers like me, it allowed me to sort out the motions, the little paper details here and there. We were able to disconnect and recharge mentally.”

CF defender George Campbell said he was fit to play, having missed two games with hip problems.

“I feel good and I’m ready (if called upon),” Campbell said.

He added that he had no problem with this calendar where CF start the campaign with six consecutive matches abroad.

“I see it as a good thing in the sense that in May and June we will play often at home (six out of eight times from May 11 to June 19).”

Teammate Ariel Lassiter had a slightly different perspective, while at the same time emphasizing the level of training preparation.

“We are looking forward to the first home game,” said the midfielder. It’s not easy to have so many games abroad – it’s never easy to win in the opponent’s stadiums in this league. But the season is long, and we are ready to answer this kind of challenge.

CF’s first home game will take place on April 13, against Cincinnati.

On this occasion, the first 7,500 spectators at Stade Saputo will receive a bobblehead from captain Samuel Piette.

Regarding this local opening, Courtois mentioned that it is still some way off.

“It’s still so far away,” he confided. We have today’s training and tomorrow’s match in mind. There is so much to travel between now and then. I’m not even thinking about it (at the moment).”

After the meeting in Washington, Courtois’ group will play in Seattle on April 6.

Defender Raheem Edwards will miss the game against United after receiving a red card at Soldier Field.

DC United is 1-1-3 this season.

Four of their players will be available after an international stint. They were absent when the club drew 2-2 in St. Louis last weekend.

Midfielder Matti Peltola played the entire Finn match against Wales.

He was then used as a substitute in the second half against Estonia, before leaving due to a migraine.

Defender Aaron Herrera played in each of Guatemala’s two matches, against Venezuela and Ecuador.

On the American U19 side, forward Kristian Fletcher played 60 minutes against England and 45 minutes against Morocco.

The USA also had defender Matai Akinmboni, who played a total of 100 minutes in the two games.

As for United defender Pedro Santos, he is back from a red card suspension.