HARRISON, N.J. – CF Montréal delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, defeating the New York Red Bulls 3-0 at Red Bull Arena. The victory, fueled by a brace from Wiki Carmona and a penalty goal from Prince Owusu, marked a significant moment for interim head coach Marco Donadel, securing his first win at the helm. The result also halted the Red Bulls’ bid for a perfect start to the Major League Soccer season.
The match unfolded as a display of Montréal’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity. The Red Bulls, under first-year coach Michael Bradley, entered the contest aiming for a third consecutive win – a feat the club hasn’t achieved to initiate a season in its history – but were ultimately stifled by a determined Montréal side. The loss represents Bradley’s first as manager of the Red Bulls, a stark contrast to the early optimism surrounding his appointment.
Early Lead Sets the Tone
Montréal established control early, capitalizing on a penalty awarded in the 8th minute. Iván Jaime drew a foul on New York’s Justin Che, setting the stage for Prince Owusu to confidently convert the spot-kick, giving Montréal a 1-0 advantage. This early goal proved crucial, dictating the tempo and forcing the Red Bulls to adjust their strategy. The penalty decision, while debated by some Red Bulls supporters, stood after review, and Owusu’s clinical finish provided a vital boost for the visitors.
Carmona Shines Against Former Club
Wiki Carmona, facing his former team, proved to be a constant threat throughout the match. His first goal arrived in the 44th minute, a beautifully struck free-kick that left Ethan Horton, the Red Bulls’ goalkeeper, with no chance. Carmona’s ability to exploit set-piece opportunities showcased his technical skill and tactical awareness. The goal extended Montréal’s lead to 2-0 heading into halftime, putting significant pressure on the Red Bulls to respond.
Carmona continued his impressive performance in the second half, adding a third goal for Montréal in the 68th minute. Demonstrating quick thinking and skillful dribbling, he dispossessed a Red Bulls defender and calmly slotted the ball past Horton. This goal effectively sealed the victory for Montréal and highlighted Carmona’s impact on the game. Notably, Carmona had previously spent five seasons with the Red Bulls, making 102 appearances and scoring six goals, but struggled for consistent playing time last season, starting only 21 of 34 appearances.
Defensive Strength and Goalkeeping Excellence
Beyond the attacking contributions, Montréal’s defensive performance was equally impressive. Goalkeeper Thomas Gillier delivered a standout performance, recording five saves and earning his first clean sheet in his 11th career start. Gillier had conceded eight goals in his previous two matches, making this clean sheet a particularly significant achievement. His command of the penalty area and decisive interventions were instrumental in denying the Red Bulls any opportunities to get back into the game.
The Red Bulls, despite their attacking intent, found themselves frustrated by Montréal’s organized defense. Ethan Horton, making his third MLS start for New York, managed only one save. Horton had previously secured a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution, but faced a more formidable opponent in Montréal’s attack.
Youthful Red Bulls Lineup
Michael Bradley continued to integrate young talent into the Red Bulls’ starting lineup, giving minutes to teenagers Julian Hall (17), Adri Mehmeti (16), and Matthew Dos Santos (17) for a third consecutive match. This commitment to developing young players is a key aspect of Bradley’s long-term vision for the club, although it didn’t yield the desired result against Montréal. The experience gained by these young players, however, will be invaluable as the season progresses.
Donadel’s First Victory and Montréal’s Road Ahead
The victory marked a significant milestone for Marco Donadel, who took over as Montréal’s head coach on an interim basis last season. After finishing 13th in the Eastern Conference and missing the playoffs in 2025, Donadel’s appointment signaled a desire for change within the club. This win provides a positive start to his tenure and offers a foundation for building a more competitive team.
Montréal’s success on Sunday also contrasted with their previous encounters against the Red Bulls. New York had outscored Montréal 3-0 in their two meetings last season. This result demonstrates Montréal’s improvement and their ability to overcome past challenges. Looking ahead, Montréal faces a challenging stretch of six consecutive road matches, beginning with a visit to Orlando City on Saturday. This extended road trip will test the team’s resilience and their ability to maintain their form away from home.
Looking Ahead
The Red Bulls will aim to rebound from this defeat when they travel to face Toronto FC on Saturday. Bradley will likely assess his team’s performance and create adjustments to address the defensive vulnerabilities exposed by Montréal. The Red Bulls’ ambition to compete for a playoff spot remains intact, but they will require to demonstrate greater consistency and defensive solidity in the weeks ahead. The early stages of the season suggest a competitive landscape in MLS, with several teams vying for a place at the top of the standings.
The match between CF Montréal and the New York Red Bulls showcased the dynamic nature of Major League Soccer. Montréal’s victory was a testament to their attacking prowess, defensive organization, and the individual brilliance of players like Wiki Carmona and Prince Owusu. For the Red Bulls, the defeat serves as a valuable lesson and a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. The season is still young, and both teams have ample opportunity to achieve their goals.
The next confirmed action for CF Montréal is their away match against Orlando City on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Fans can identify the latest updates and match schedules on the official MLS website: https://www.mlssoccer.com/. Share your thoughts on the game and the season ahead in the comments below!
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