Philadelphia Union v CF Montreal: Owusu benefitting from new tactics

Prince Owusu believes he has benefited from CF Montreal's interim head coach Marco Donadel and his new tactics.

Despite being bottom of the Eastern Conference, Montreal have scored in each of their last five MLS matches, winning twice and drawing once in that time.

And that run of form has been helped by Owusu, who has found the back of the net in five of his last six games in all competitions. 

He was also on target with an 83rd-minute penalty against Orlando City to seal a 1-1 draw last time out. 

And with his confidence sky-high, Owusu is looking to continue his run in front of goal against league leaders Philadelphia Union this week. 

"I think that now, with the tactics that the coach is giving us, we create more chances and I can benefit from it," said Owusu after their draw with Orlando. 

"I think that when we just follow the tactical advice from the coach, you can see that we will do a lot of good games. I know my part, what I have to do, and right now I'm full of confidence.

"I have to say that when Olger [Escobar] came in, he brought some good offensive actions and a little bit of a different flavour into the game. If we have players like him or Fabian [Herbers] who work hard, want the ball and try to combine, it's easier for me to do my job. Before the penalty, it was a quick combination play with me and Fabian."

When asked about Donadel's tactics, Olger Escobar added: "Marco always comes with a plan, once things are not going our way, and we adapt to it as fast as possible.

"Thankfully, it worked in the second half and we were able to get that goal which helped us a lot."

Philadelphia, meanwhile, returned to the top of the East after a 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls, which came following back-to-back 1-0 defeats to the Columbus Crew and Nashville SC, respectively.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Philadelphia Union – Tai Baribo 

Baribo has been crucial for Philadelphia this season. He leads the club with 12 goals, which is tied for the third highest in the league in 2025, three of which have been the critical first of the match.

He made his first start after returning from injury last time out against the Red Bulls and provided an assist in that match.

CF Montreal – Prince Owusu

Montreal have been led by Owusu, who has scored on nine occasions, including three match-opening goals.

He has scored nearly half of Montreal's goals (19), including five of their last seven since the beginning of June.

MATCH PREDICTION – PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN

Philadelphia are unbeaten in 11 straight home matches in all competitions (W7 D4) and have scored multiple goals in all but one game in that time.

The Union have also won their last two meetings with Montreal, including a 2-0 win in the Leagues Cup in 2024. Neither team have ever won three straight over the other in all competitions.

Mikael Uhre has scored five career goals against Montreal, equalling his most against any MLS opponent (D.C. United). He has scored in each of his last three matches against Montreal.

Montreal will seek to address a poor run of results away from Stade Saputo this season with three draws, seven losses, and just two wins in league away contests.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Philadelphia Union – 68.1%

Draw – 17.7%

CF Montreal – 14.2%