)
Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama will end the season trophyless after his side CF Montreal were eliminated from the MLS playoff following defeat to Columbus Crew
Former Harambee Stars captain was not involved as CF Montreal were eliminated from the MLS playoffs following a 2-1 defeat to the Columbus Crew on Sunday morning.
Wanyama was not in the matchday squad as coach Hernan Losada searched for the much-needed win to secure another place in the play on Decision Day.
Moments after suffering the defeat to the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field, Montreal coaches, players and staff huddled around an iPad on the sideline and could only watch as John Tolkin's stoppage-time penalty lifted the New York Red Bulls to a dramatic 1-0 win at Nashville SC that ended their post-season hopes.
Instead of a second straight playoff trip, Montreal will be watching proceedings from home.
"They deserved a lot more, but this sport, soccer, is like that," said Losada. "We were there until the very last second, but at the end of the day, we didn't make it, and now it's about how we bounce back."
Coming into Decision Day, Montreal knew a win against Columbus would secure passage to the playoffs.
)
13:32 - 08.10.2023
FOOTBALL Wanyama's Montreal on the brink of MSL playoff spot as Lionel Messi's Miami dreams dashed
Montreal shines with Wanyama's brilliance in MLS victory, while Messi's Miami faces disappointment with an early playoff exit.
But Sunusi Ibrahim's seventh-minute goal against former head coach Wilfried Nancy's current team was canceled out by Cucho Hernandez 10 minutes later, and Darlington Nagbe's 50th-minute strike outside the box stood as the match-winner for the hosts.
With the Red Bulls’ 1-0 win over Chicago Fire, Montreal only needed a New York draw or loss against Nashville to finish above the playoff line despite their own loss.
But Tolkin's last-gasp penalty simultaneously extended the Red Bulls’ playoff streak to 14 straight seasons (a new MLS record) and eliminated Montreal from contention.
)
12:30 - 06.10.2023
STARS ABROAD Victor Wanyama’s coach issues rallying call as CF Montreal hang on playoff hopes
Victor Wanyama will be hoping to be involved in this weekend’s crucial clash against Portland Timbers after being snubbed in the last three games as CF Montreal seek an MLS playoff spot
"[We] never, never gave up until the very last minute. We were fighting even under difficult circumstances," Losada, a former DC United manager, said.
"Yes, we have to improve, we have to do better. At the end, we came two points short, unfortunately. But this group gave absolutely everything, and I was thankful and very proud to be representing this organisation."
Montreal will now be forced to reflect on a disappointing campaign as a lengthy offseason begins. Last year's third-place finisher in the Supporters' Shield standings will be a non-participant in the 2023 postseason after winning one, drawing three and losing five of their final nine matches.
)
17:00 - 09.09.2023
Bench mystery: Explaining Victor Wanyama's absence at Montreal Impact
Former EPL standout and Kenyan trailblazer's sudden absence raises questions about his future in Montreal.
It means Wanyama and co will finish the season trophyless after getting eliminated from the Leagues Cup Round of 16 while also losing the Canadian Championship title following a defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps in the final in June.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)