Victor Wanyama benched as CF Montreal suffer home embarrassment

Victor Wanyama during warm up

Victor Wanyama benched as CF Montreal suffer home embarrassment

Joel Omotto 10:34 - 25.08.2024

Victor Wanyama watched proceedings from the bench as his club CF Montreal suffered one of their biggest home losses in what is a setback to their MLS playoff hopes.

Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama’s tough spell at MLS Club CF Montreal continues as he was not involved for the third game in a row when the club suffered an embarrassing loss on Sunday.

Returning to MLS action after a two-week break, Montreal were looking to bounce back from their previous loss but suffered a worst defeat, losing 5-0 to New England Revolution, at their own backyard, the Stade Saputo.

It was more painful for Wanyama as he had to watch proceedings from the bench in the match in which Laurent Courtois’ men were totally outplayed.

Wanyama has become a peripheral figure at Montreal for the second successful season with the tactician giving him few opportunities and Sunday’s match was the third straight in which he has not been involved.

The 33-year-old last tasted action on July 27 in the 4-1 loss to Orlando City, in what was his fifth MLS start, and even with the recent changes at the club, he still has not benefited.

In recent weeks, Montreal have bolstered the squad by signing left-back Tom Pearce from Wigan Athletic, right-back Dawid Bugaj from Italian Serie C club SPAL, midfielder Caden Clark from Minnesota United FC, and Canadian wing-back Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty from Toronto FC.

Ariel Lassiter has joined Chicago Fire, right-back Ruan moved to FC Dallas, and striker Mason Toye transferred to Portland Timbers while star midfielder Mathieu Choiniere is set to complete a move to Swiss side Grasshopper Zurich.

Wanyama has not benefited from the rearrangement and watched as Bobby Wood gave New England a 2-0 lead at halftime, following seventh and 37th minute strikes, before Nick Lima, Giocomo Vrioni and Luca Langoni netted in the second half for the big win.

Victory moves New England into 12th position on the Eastern Conference table on 26 points, one behind 11th placed Montreal, who are a point behind Atlanta United, who occupy ninth position, the final playoff spot.

With eight games left in the regular season, Montreal must improve quickly to secure a playoff spot or risk watching on as others contest for the title for a second straight year.