Interim head coach Marco Donadel insists CF Montreal's performances are improving, as they bid to halt their awful start to the MLS season at New York City.

Montreal were beaten 2-1 by the Philadelphia Union last week, leaving them bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with three points from 11 matches.

They are the third team in MLS history to go 11 straight games without holding a lead at any point, and the first since Chivas USA in 2014.

Only D.C. United, in 2013, have ever failed to hold a lead at any point in 12 consecutive matches, but Donadel believes a turning point is on the horizon.

"We created a great group, and I don't need to say anything. They know what we are doing, they know what we have to show on the field," Donadel said.

"But they are also aware that the performance is there, and I don't know what to say. 

"I'm not complaining about anything. We are improving. We have more players in the box, we are more solid in transitions... I'm happy for the performance, it is improving because the group understands."

New York, meanwhile, are seventh in the East with 17 points from 11 games, having won their last two MLS games – against Toronto FC and FC Cincinnati – by 1-0 scorelines.

They suffered a surprise exit from the U.S. Open Cup in midweek, however, losing 1-0 to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, and coach Pascal Jansen believes one defensive lapse cost them.

"If you slack one moment like we did in the second half... this is a question of discipline," Jansen said. 

"You know what's being asked of you from a corner-kick, and we didn't do it. That's when we conceded and it fit perfectly in the whole game."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

New York City – Julian Fernandez

Fernandez scored his second goal of the season in New York City's win over Cincinnati last Sunday. 

He has scored two goals in each of his three MLS seasons with all six goals being scored at home – could he go one better here?

CF Montreal – Dante Sealy

Sealy leads all Montreal players for chances created this season, laying on 13 opportunities for team-mates.

He also ranks second for dribbles completed (11) and third for dribbles attempted (20). If Montreal's dreadful run is to end, he may need to carry their hopes.

MATCH PREDICTION – NEW YORK CITY WIN

Montreal are one of five teams in MLS history to collect three or fewer points through the first 11 matches of a season. 

No team in MLS history has ever had three points or fewer after 12 matches of a campaign.

Meanwhile, Montreal's 2-0 home win over New York in the last meeting between the sides – in October 2024 – was just their third victory in 21 all-time meetings between the teams (D5 L13). 

Montreal's only win at NYCFC was a 3-2 victory in August 2015, and the chances of a repeat occurring on Saturday appear slim.

New York have won six of their last seven regular-season home matches (L1), including 1-0 wins in each of their last two at home. Prior to the last two matches, NYCFC had managed just one clean sheet in their previous 15 regular-season home games.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New York City – 59.1%

CF Montreal – 19.6%

Draw – 21.3%