Owusu scores as CF Montreal continues improved play under interim manager Eullaffroy

“We would’ve liked to play better, but what was great to see was the energy, the solidarity, the desire to drop and defend together, to suffer together,” said Eullaffroy. “We weren’t surprised when they had the majority of the ball (possession).

“We had two situations that were a bit problematic, but the rest of the time, we defended very well.”

From the kickoff, Montreal limited the available space high up the field, forcing turnovers and establishing a physical presence in all phases of play. After 20 minutes of play, Owusu struck first and continued his excellent form under Eullaffroy.

After muscling past defender Kai Trwein, Owusu was able to get a lunging foot on the end of a Matty Longstaff cross. New York picked up the pace following the goal.

Yielding to the pressure, Montreal dropped into a lower and more compact block, effectively depriving New York of any real scoring opportunities.

“With Phil (Eullaffroy) we’re much freer, it’s more about taking away passing lanes and we set more traps,” said Longstaff. “We defended well, but on the ball, we probably weren’t good enough with the standards we have because it eventually makes us defend so much more.”

Despite officially being on the job for less than two weeks, Eullaffroy is reshaping the club. He has advocated for incremental change, but his squad — both tactically and in terms of player selection — already looks significantly different.

Players who were struggling to get minutes are now integral members of the starting lineup and the team has showcased a much more pragmatic approach to opposition that is comfortable on the ball. These changes have already paid dividends, with Eullaffroy becoming the first coach in the club’s MLS history to start his tenure with two wins since Marco Schällibaum in 2013.

“I have a lot of tricks in my pocket, and some tricks need time to work and apply it in-game,” said Eullaffroy who estimated he’s only made 20 per cent of his desired tactical changes. “If we do the 20 per cent well, then maybe we can add five per cent.

“We need to respect the learning curve of the players and hopefully after the international break, we can see much more.”

Both teams held the status quo in the opening stages of the first half, as it was now Montreal’s turn to grow into the game. After gaining more of a foothold, they found increased progress down the left flank.

That success would significantly complicate life for New York who would see right back Tayvon Gray pick up two yellow cards in four minutes and force it to go down a man. However, there has been recent precedent that kept the squad in the match.

Montreal’s experience with a man advantage this season has been nothing short of disastrous. Over two separate occasions, they have yet to score and have conceded four times, throwing away three points in the process.

“It took us a bit too much time to change our pressing triggers when they changed their shape, but even if we stumbled a bit, we didn’t concede,” said Eullaffroy. “I like to see things as ‘glass half-full’ so it’s definitely progress.”

UP NEXT

New York: Travels to Red Bull New York for a U.S. Open Cup edition of the Hudson River Derby on April 19. 

Montreal: Visits Mercedes Stadium to face Atlanta United on May 2.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 25, 2026.

Elias Grigoriadis, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Owusu scores as CF Montreal continues improved play under interim manager Eullaffroy

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