Montreal seeks to make Stade Saputo a 'fortress' in home-heavy schedule

CF Montreal's Ivan Jaime, left, challenges New York Red Bulls' Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, right, during first half MLS soccer action in Montreal, Saturday, April 18, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

MONTREAL — Life for CF Montréal under caretaker manager Philippe Eullaffroy has started positively for the Major League Soccer Club, due in part to a long stretch of home games coinciding with his appointment.

Eullaffroy took over from the fired Marco Donadel on April 12, after a 2-1 loss to last-place Philadelphia dropped Montreal to 1-6-0. The club has since posted two MLS wins at home along with a 5-0 victory over the Calgary Blizzard in Canadian Championship play, and dropped a 3-1 loss at Atlanta last Saturday.

Montreal plays its next three games, and seven of its next nine, at Stade Saputo, starting with Saturday’s contest against Orlando City. Eullaffroy sees an opportunity for Montreal to regain its status as a formidable home side.

“It’s a boost of adrenalin when we’re playing at home, and the adrenalin is more confidence to express our quality,” said Eullaffroy. “It’s about putting emphasis on our identity, and to reinforce day after day, game after game, the way we want to play.”

Montreal’s current record of 3-7-0 is skewed by the club playing its first six games on the road, where it has been one of the least successful clubs since breaking the league record for most road points in 2022.

But they appear to be making the most of their home games under Eullaffroy and have already eclipsed last season’s mark for wins at Stade Saputo.

“We’re in a bit of a more positive environment to put what we want on the pitch and to work on new things that we want to add to our identity. You need to reduce the workload because of the travel, so we are in a more comfortable environment to do it at home,” said Eullaffroy. “The sample is not big enough to make a conclusion yet, and I hope that the next three games will confirm that home is like a fortress.”

Montreal is facing its first real test of squad depth this season. The club is being forced to navigate injuries to crucial players while in the midst of a congested run of five games in 14 days. Stretches like this are why the club focused heavily on improving overall depth in many problematic positions on the field.

“Obviously, from last year, it’s a lot different. I think the mentality of the guys going to the game, even if we’re in difficult circumstances … is disciplined and strong,” said defender Luca Petrasso. “Just being more mentally confident in our abilities and closing out games, that’s something that we kind of lacked last year.”

Orlando beat Montreal 2-1 at home on March 14, kicking off a four-game losing streak that ultimately saw Donadel lose his job.

Orlando currently sits one point ahead of Montreal, having won three of its last four games and scoring 14 goals in the process.

“They come in and create a little bit of chances, score goals, or be able to get shots off. It’s just trying to limit those things,” said Petrasso, who spent two years with Orlando before signing for Montreal. “Especially at home with our fans behind us, we can do that and just be alert with those little details, so I’m definitely looking forward to that game.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 8, 2026.

Elias Grigoriadis, The Canadian Press