CF Montreal and Austin FC face off in a pivotal MLS match with playoff implications. Montreal, seeking to escape the bottom of the Eastern Conference, hosts an Austin FC team on a six-game unbeaten streak. New Montreal signing Matty Longstaff is eager to contribute, while key players Prince Owusu and Owen Wolff look to make their mark. Austin holds a historical edge, but Montreal aims to break the streak and boost their playoff chances in this crucial encounter.
CF Montreal's playoff hopes hang precariously as they prepare to host Austin FC at Saputo Stadium. With both teams looking to solidify their positions, this match promises to be a crucial encounter. Montreal, buoyed by a recent draw against DC United, seeks to climb out of the Eastern Conference cellar, while Austin FC aims to improve their standing in the competitive Western Conference after their own draw with FC Dallas.
Montreal's home form has been a mixed bag, securing points in three of their last five league games. However, their struggles in front of goal at Saputo Stadium are evident, having scored one or fewer goals in their last seven home matches. Historically, they've had success against Texas-based MLS teams, winning their last two encounters. Yet, a home victory against a Texas side has eluded them since November 2021, when they triumphed 2-0 over Houston Dynamo.
Austin FC, on the other hand, enters the match with a sense of optimism. Despite their recent draw, they are on a six-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, showcasing their resilience and ability to grind out results. This unbeaten run is their longest since a club-record seven-match streak in June and July 2022, a period that included a victory against Montreal. The team will look to continue this positive momentum and secure a vital win on the road.
Paso a paso. pic.twitter.com/fZWYeVqAel
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) August 19, 2025
The last time these two sides met was in March 2023, with Austin FC emerging as 1-0 victors. Montreal will be eager to avenge that defeat and prove their mettle on home turf.
Montreal's recent acquisition, Matty Longstaff, is eager to make his mark. Having debuted against DC United, he expressed his excitement about the team's potential. "It’s about me trying to perform for Montreal. I am a Montreal player now, and I want to get back to winning ways with the club," Longstaff stated. His ambition is clear: "I want to try and have success here and win things, so that’s my main focus here."
Longstaff is impressed by the talent he sees within the Montreal squad. "Here at Montreal, it is a younger group, but there are still leaders within that, and it’s such a talented group," he noted. "In training over the last few days, you see the qualities they have going forward. I’m looking forward to training a bit more with them." His enthusiasm and desire to contribute will be crucial as Montreal aims to turn their season around.
Key players to watch in this match include Prince Owusu for CF Montreal and Owen Wolff for Austin FC. Owusu has been a standout performer for Montreal, leading the team's attack and contributing significantly to their goal tally. His assist in the match against D.C. United marked his 15th goal involvement of the season, highlighting his importance to the team's offensive efforts. Wolff, on the other hand, has been in fine form for Austin FC, scoring three goals in his last four regular-season games. His recent scoring streak has provided a boost to Austin's attack, and he will be looking to continue his impressive form against Montreal.
While Montreal has shown signs of revival, avoiding defeat in their last three matches and conceding only one goal in each, Austin FC's historical dominance in this fixture cannot be ignored. They have won their previous two meetings with Montreal, recording 1-0 victories both at home and away. However, Montreal will be determined to break this streak and secure a much-needed victory in front of their home fans.
According to Opta's win probability, Austin FC has a slight edge with a 40.2% chance of winning, while CF Montreal has a 34.0% chance, and a draw is predicted at 25.8%. This suggests a closely contested match, with both teams having a realistic chance of securing the three points.
This game is more than just a regular-season fixture; it's a crucial juncture for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the MLS season. For CF Montreal, it’s about igniting a late surge to secure a playoff berth, capitalizing on their home advantage, and integrating new talent like Matty Longstaff. The team needs to find consistency in their attack and shore up their defense to transform draws into decisive victories. Prince Owusu's continued brilliance will be pivotal in unlocking Austin's defense and converting opportunities into goals.
Austin FC, on the other hand, aims to solidify their playoff position and demonstrate their ability to perform under pressure. Their recent unbeaten streak showcases their resilience, but they must translate draws into wins to climb higher in the Western Conference standings. Owen Wolff's scoring touch will be essential in breaching Montreal's defense and securing valuable points on the road. As both teams clash at Saputo Stadium, the stakes are high, and the outcome will undoubtedly shape their trajectories in the competitive landscape of MLS.