“Let’s hope he has a bad game”: Kamal Miller back in Montreal

DAY

It's reunion time between Kamal Miller, Bryce Duke, Ariel Lassiter and their former CF Montreal and Inter Miami CF teammates. Having completed a trade earlier this year, the two teams now find themselves in a similar position.

After 13 games, these formations are tied with 15 points, with five wins and eight losses. The goal differential is in favor of Miami, however, which acquired one of CF Montreal's best defensemen in April, Kamal Miller.

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“Kamal is back, it will be nice to see him again. We had a great time together, so it will be “cool” to see him again on Saturday. Let’s hope he has a bad game,” defender Rudy Camacho said Friday with a wink at a press briefing.

The Ontarian spent just over two seasons in Montreal, distinguishing himself at Major League Soccer (MLS) level by being invited to the most recent All-Star game, but also internationally thanks to his participation in the Coupe in the world.

Head coach Hernan Losada can put himself in the shoes of his players, as he too has had to compete against former teammates during his career.

“There is always something special, because you play against players you know very well. Sometimes you even play against friends, people you keep in touch with,” said the Argentinian, who plans a “different” match.

“It will be fun. I was there not so long ago, said Duke, who rather went from Florida to Quebec. It will be a good game. Both teams are in a similar position and they need points. I can't wait to jump on the field and play against my former teammates.”

The attack, the question mark

If Inter Miami can count on “two of the best attackers in the league”, according to Losada, in Leonardo Campana and Josef Martinez, CF Montreal no longer knows which foot to dance in this position. Last year's best player, Romell Quioto, will be sidelined indefinitely with injury.

“[It's] not good news. A thigh injury is going to be for a very long time. I don't want to give a specific timeline, but it's definitely going to be longer than the injury last time,” Losada said, referring to Quioto's other thigh, which required a month off in April.

Fatigue is starting to set in, due to the overlap between the MLS schedule and the Canadian Championship. Wednesday's win over Forge FC was good, but Losada will have to keep rotating.

“Injuries, at this point, are the only thing we don't want not, but you need results and points,” assured the coach.

The match between CF Montreal and Inter Miami CF will take place on Saturday at Stade Saputo.