Wikelman Carmona Owned Matchday 3

In a performance that combined technical brilliance with the ultimate narrative of revenge, Wikelman "Wiki" Carmona led CF Montréal to a stunning 3-0 victory over his former club, the New York Red Bulls. The Venezuelan midfielder was the undisputed star of Matchday 3, earning MLS Player of the Matchday honors after netting a spectacular brace at Red Bull Arena. His clinical display silenced the home crowd and proved exactly why Montréal moved aggressively to acquire him during the 2026 offseason.

Carmona's impact was immediate, as he dictated the tempo of the game from the center of the park. His first goal came from a clever sequence where he exploited a gap in the Red Bulls' defensive line, finishing with the composure of a veteran striker. He doubled his tally later in the match, marking his first multi-goal performance in 105 MLS appearances. For a player who spent five seasons in New York, the celebration was a poignant moment of self-validation, as he became the first Montréal player to win the weekly honor since 2022.

The victory was a vital turnaround for CF Montréal (1-0-2), who had struggled for goals in their opening fixtures. Under the tactical guidance of the coaching staff, the team looks to have found a blueprint for success on the road. The defense, anchored by a disciplined backline, managed to keep a clean sheet against a Red Bulls side that had entered the match unbeaten. The addition of Carmona has clearly provided the "tactical flexibility" the front office promised when they traded Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty to secure his services.

Beyond the goals, Carmona's work rate was exemplary. He led the team in successful dribbles and key passes, serving as the connective tissue between the defense and the attack. His blossoming partnership with the forward line suggests that Montréal's offense is only just beginning to click. As they prepare for their next road test against Orlando City, the focus remains on maintaining this level of intensity.

For the Red Bulls, the loss serves as a wake-up call. Despite their strong start to 2026, they were unable to contain a player who knew their system inside and out. Carmona’s rise to the top of the Matchday 3 rankings is not just a personal victory, but a sign that CF Montréal is ready to disrupt the hierarchy of the Eastern Conference this season.