Ottawa soccer fans tuning in to catch Canada's top MLS clubs in action were left disappointed this week as CF Montreal fell to FC Cincinnati in a gutting late-game collapse that will sting well into the week ahead.
The Match That Got Away
CF Montreal looked set to walk away with a solid result against FC Cincinnati — but the Ohio side had other plans. Cincinnati mounted a late rally to overturn the scoreline and hand Montreal a defeat that felt cruel given how the match had unfolded. The final whistle brought frustration for Montreal's players and supporters alike, as what seemed like a winnable game slipped through their fingers in the dying minutes.
Late-game collapses are always the hardest to swallow. Whether it's a defensive lapse, a moment of individual brilliance from the opposition, or just the cruel lottery of late-game football, losing a lead in the final stretch tests a team's character. For CF Montreal, the challenge now is to regroup quickly and bounce back.
Why Ottawa Fans Are Watching
Ottawa doesn't have its own MLS team — yet — but the capital's passionate soccer community has long adopted CF Montreal as the closest Canadian club to cheer for in the league. With CF Atlético Ottawa competing in the Canadian Premier League, local fans are deeply invested in the broader Canadian soccer ecosystem, and any stumble by a Canadian MLS side is felt across the country.
The national conversation around Canadian soccer has never been louder, especially following Canada's strong showing on the international stage in recent years. Ottawa fans have embraced the sport at every level — from youth academies to packed Atlético Ottawa matches at TD Place — and results like this one from Montreal serve as a reminder that the path to MLS glory is rarely straight.
A Long Season Ahead
One loss doesn't define a season, and Montreal will have plenty of opportunities to bounce back as the 2026 MLS campaign unfolds. The team has the talent and the experience to right the ship — but they'll need to address the defensive vulnerabilities that allowed Cincinnati to steal the result at the death.
For Canadian soccer supporters from Ottawa to Vancouver, the hope remains that Canadian clubs can make their mark in MLS this season. Montreal, Toronto FC, and the Vancouver Whitecaps all carry the banner for Canadian football, and the country's fans will be watching closely as the season develops.
Keep an eye on the standings over the coming weeks — if Montreal can convert these near-misses into wins, they'll be right back in contention. For now, though, it's back to the drawing board.
Source: Sportsnet — Late rally sinks CF Montreal in loss to FC Cincinnati
