CF Montreal defeat Charlotte 2-0 to top the Eastern Conference table | OneFootball

After Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Charlotte FC, CF Montreal leads the Eastern Conference standings.

The Canadian Major League Soccer side ended Charlotte FC’s four-game winning streak and extended their own run to eight games unbeaten as goals from Alistair Johnston and Đorđe Mihailović made the difference.

Montreal may have seen difficult runs in 2020 and 2021, ending both seasons in mid to low table rankings, but Wilfried Nancy may guide his side to postseason glory this year.

“I'm very happy with what the guys did tonight,” Nancy said. “It wasn't easy on an artificial field and in a stadium with a great atmosphere. We faced a good team with some interesting tactics. I'm happy because this clean sheet is good for the team.

“Today we continued to do good things. We are on a good run and the credit goes to the players. There is a confidence building since last year and the players are enjoying executing the game plans.”

Đorđe Mihailović managed another great effort for Montreal, becoming a key figure for Wilfried Nancy. The midfielder’s goal marked his sixth of the season, and second consecutive goal-scoring performance, as he finds his rhythm in his sixth year of MLS.

“As a soccer player, you want to play in these kinds of games even if it’s an away game,” Mihailovic said.

“When the crowd is there, 30,000 people in the stands, it gives us energy as well. We didn’t really change too many things. There were a couple tweaks in our shape, but we go into every game the same like we’ve been doing, with the same mentality. The things that have been changing, we don’t want to change that just because we’re playing away in front of a bunch of people. I’ve always said this is a game of ups and downs. The season is going to go up and down, and it’s good to feel this right now. But we can’t get too high.”

Montreal may be on top, but the Philadelphia Union and Orlando City are not actually far behind. All three teams are currently with 20 points, as the Canadian side holds the edge with a positive goal difference of 19.

The team returns to league action on Saturday against FC Cincinnati at Saputo Stadium to attempt holding on to the helm.