Wanyama absent as CF Montreal suffer defeat to Wayne Rooney's DC United

CF Montreal al midfielder Victor Wanyama (2) drives the ball during the first half of the Orlando City vs CF Montreal soccer match at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, FL on September 15, 2021.

STARS ABROAD Wanyama absent as CF Montreal suffer defeat to Wayne Rooney's DC United

Joel Omotto 09:25 - 27.07.2023

The former Harambee Stars captain did not win the fitness race for the cup game with his side's qualification chances now slim.

Victor Wanyama was missing as CF Montreal lost 1-0 to DC United in the Leagues Cup on Thursday morning.

Wanyama picked up a slight injury in the dying minutes of Montreal’s victory against Mexican club Pumas UNAM on Sunday and appears not to have won the fitness race for the clash against United at the Saputo Stadium.

The former Harambee Stars captain’s absence was felt from the onset as United asserted their authority early on before the home team took control of proceedings.

Montreal had the impetus for most of the game, managing 14 shots (five on target) to United's eight (four on target) but poor finishing let them down.

The visitors took full advantage with substitute Erik Hurtado firing home in the 70th minute to break the deadlock and held on until the final whistle.

United took command of the group with three points from one match while Montreal have two from as many games.

Pumas have one point after their defeat on penalties to Montreal following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

It is now down to United to beat Pumas and extend their lead which will make Montreal's qualification for the next round difficult.

As per Leagues Cup rules, winning in regulation time yields three points while victory on penalties comes with two.

Hernan Losada's men will not be in action until August 21 when they face Canadian rivals Toronto FC in an MLS clash.