Tension rising at Saputo Stadium. The frustration of the supporters who follow her. Then, deliverance. Euphoria. The touch of destiny of Ismaël Koné, at the 68e minute.
Updated at 0:44
The Quebecer’s goal, followed by Djordje Mihailovic’s penalty in stoppage time, took CF Montreal to the Eastern semi-finals on Sunday night. He eliminated Orlando City by virtue of a 2-0 victory.
“It was special, rejoiced Koné, all smiles, following the match. I had never scored at Stade Saputo. […] It was the right time to score the first. »
You say.
Djordje Mihailovic described the atmosphere at Stade Saputo as “the best in which [il a] played in his professional career.
“That says a lot, because I played in beautiful atmospheres. We know that next week will be even better. »
CF Montreal’s next opponent will be known this Monday evening, following the match between New York City FC and Inter Miami. One thing is certain: his next game will take place next Sunday at 1 p.m.
The tension mount
CF Montreal dominated this meeting, as it is used to. But Orlando City had decided to apply a disruptive style of play.
In the first half especially, goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made his slowness in putting the ball into play his expertise. And drank in the numerous and noisy lamentations of the crowd. Coupled with controversial – not to say failed – decisions by official Ismail Elfath, frustration rose and rose in the stands.
But, on the ground, the players of Wilfried Nancy were not impressed. It must be said that the coach had prepared them in this direction.
“Even before the match, we knew their tactics,” said Mihailovic. We knew they were going to try to waste time. If we stuck to our game plan and controlled our emotions, the chances would come. »
Dissatisfaction in the stands was at its height at the very end of the first half. Referee Elfath did not see fit to whistle a penalty – obvious to the eyes of The Press – to the advantage of CF Montreal.
“It’s difficult to play a football match when the referee is not on both sides, reacted Koné. It’s weird, huh? »
Nancy, “best coach of the year” for a reason
But it was these adventures that, in short, made this second half a saving period. CF Montreal remained calm. He continued to create chances. And this, even if he concluded the meeting with only two shots on target; his two goals. On the other side, in addition to a few slightly unscrewed shots, Orlando did not frame any.
Comes the 68e. Defender Joel Waterman passes to Kei Kamara in the box. The Sierra Leonean sends to Mihailovic in first intention. The latter delivers to a free Koné on the left. Small touch, two strides, and then wham! CF Montreal takes the lead.
Smoke bombs, shouts of joy, and maybe a few sighs of relief.
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
How did the two main players in this goal experience this moment?
“I prepared to take a shot,” says Mihailovic. That’s when I see that [Koné] is on the left, completely free. It’s something we practiced on two days ago. And that’s why our coach is coach of the year. Because what we do in training works during games! »
Comes the turn of Koné in front of the microphones.
“Me, I am sure that Djorjde will give it to me, assures the Quebecer. If he doesn’t give it to me, we’ll fight. But that’s the quality of Djordje. He is a great passer, a great creator. »
“We deserve these moments”
Orlando’s tactics, led on the scoreboard, didn’t work. And anyway, Montreal continued to attack. The Montreal victory was confirmed following the goal scored by Mihailovic from the penalty spot, in the 99e minute.
The last real playoff game for CF Montreal – if we exclude the pandemic year of 2020 – dates back to 2016. Most of the club’s players were not here. Not even Samuel Piette.
For a team with almost no experience in the MLS post-season tournament, CF Montreal has shown character and great serenity.
“It was important that the group prepared well for this match, noted Mihailovic. You shouldn’t look too far. Yes, we are aware of the importance of the meeting. But we also know that we deserve to be here. We have proven it in the last 34 games. We are one of the best teams in the league. We deserve these moments. »