Although CF Montreal enjoyed a one-man advantage throughout the second half, they lost 1-0 to Austin FC on a goal by Maxi Urruti on Saturday night at Stade Saputo.

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Back in action after a three-week hiatus, the Bleu-blanc-noir did not present themselves at their best with uninspired play despite a very decent crowd of 15,045 with weather that could have encouraged many to stay at home.

This first meeting between the two formations will certainly not go down in history because it was rather lackluster from start to finish.

Wilfried Nancy still wants her team to be in the game and to be a fighter, but that's not the impression she left on Saturday night after a break that may have been too long.

The loss saw Montreal slip from third to fifth in the Eastern Conference.

Red card

Following a second yellow to Dani Pereira at the very end of the first half, Montreal took advantage of a surplus for half the game.

However, he was rather messy in the second half despite his numerical advantage.

Kei Kamara had the first goal of the match at the end of the foot on a superb cross from Zachary Brault-Guillard, but the Sierra Leone striker completely missed his shot. He also had a very average match, which is rare in his case.

In the end, it was a face known to Montreal fans who tipped the match, Maxi Urruti, who beat Rudy Camacho and Joel Waterman to score in the 67th minute.

Without Djordje

Montreal got by without three starters, Djordje Mihailovic, Kamal Miller and Lassi Lappalainen.

The absence of Mihailovic was particularly felt in the attacking organization of the team, especially when it found itself with an extra man.

Despite a lot of effort and many fouls caused, Matko Miljevic does not yet have the bite of his teammate to unlock situations that can lead to an opportunity.

Yes, this team has depth, but when three holders are absent, inevitably it shows in the general performance of the group.

8 / 10 Samuel Piette

Solid on both sides of the ball, he had a good game with recoveries and good raises. (right picture)

7.5 / 10 Jojaa Faith

He uses his speed to provoke things at the end of the meeting. We want to see him again.

7/10 Romell Kyoto

He arrives with the knife between his teeth and tries to provoke things offensively.

7/10 Victor Animals

He was injured on contact early in the first half and afterwards it seemed more difficult for him, even if he was working hard on all actions.

7/10 Gabriele Corbo

An honest and fair job defensively. He is slowly gaining ground.

7 / 10 Rudy Camacho

Calm, he plays his role as general of the defensive brigade well. He is still overtaken by Urruti's goal.

6,5 / 10 Joel Waterman

He is not in his usual position, he suffers a little from it, but still makes some good plays. He is behind on Urruti's goal.

6,5 / 10 Zachary Brault-Guillard

He does well defensively and he knows some good offensive sequences.

6,5 / 10 Mathieu Choinière

Back in the left lane, he managed, but mostly drew the yellow which cost Pereira a red.

6.5 / 10 Sebastian Birch

He comes out very clumsily on Urruti's goal.

6/10 Joaquin Torres

He works hard to destabilize Austin's defense, but the job isn't done enough.

6/10 In Kamara

Not as impactful as he knows to be, especially on a sequence where he misses a golden chance in the second half.

6/10 Matko Miljevic

He attracts a lot of fouls, but he also lacks the last gesture in the offensive phase.

6 / 10 Ismael Kone

He had a half to showcase himself, but didn't really take advantage of it.