Montreal's Mihailovic looking to carry good form into clash with Red Bulls

Djordje Mihailovic is still a catalyst for CF Montréal's offence, but this season he's performing that role in a very different way.

After breaking the single-season franchise record with 16 assists last year, he has turned into more of a goal scorer. The 23-year-old American has three goals in five Major League Soccer appearances this season, all coming in his last two games.

He had four goals in 34 games last year.

“I asked him what he wanted, and he said to score more goals,” said head coach Wilfried Nancy. “At the beginning of the season, he was shooting from everywhere, but you can tell he’s maturing quickly and he’s finding that right balance (between playmaker and goal scorer)."

Mihailovic will look to continue to build on his offensive form when Montreal (1-3-1) visits the New York Red Bulls (3-1-1) on Saturday.

The Red Bulls are a deep-lying team and one of the best defensive units in the Eastern Conference. Montreal may have its work cut out, despite scoring seven goals over their last two games.

“They aren’t a possession-based team, they like sit back and hit you on the counter attack," Nancy said. "They’re very good at playing the long balls which is something we’ve struggled with.

“It doesn’t really matter where they play, they have their style and they stick to it.”

That direct style of play is something Montreal has struggled with so far this season, conceding preventable goals from basic miscommunication. While they are among the best offensive teams in MLS, Nancy’s men also rank tied for last in goals conceded, averaging just shy of three per game.

“It’s just the little details. They like to cross the ball a lot and we just can’t take a single play off,” said defender Kamal Miller. “With a counterattack