Saturday, Jul 9, 2022. 8:36 AM
(Update : Saturday, Jul 9, 2022. 10:11 PM)
SUMMARY
MONTREAL – CF Montreal had an opponent within reach to get back to winning ways, but two avoidable errors cost them three precious points in the standings.
Although they were by far the most threatening on the field during the game, the Montreal team allowed Kansas City Sporting to come from behind to win 2-1 on Saturday night on the stadium lawn. Saputo.
Sporting (5-11-4) arrived in Montreal with the worst record in MLS, but conceded a goal in the 13th minute to end a two-game losing streak.
Roger Espinoza capitalized on an error from Romell Quioto and poor placement from Sebastian Breza to tie the score and Rémi Walter scored following Kamal Miller accidentally pushed the ball back into his crease following an entry in touch.
Quioto had started the ball rolling by scoring his seventh goal of the season, but the Montrealers missed several opportunities to change the pace of the game late in the first half and in the second half. They largely dominated possession, at almost 65 per cent, and they took 16 shots on goal, including five on target, compared to six for their opponents.
“We try a lot of crosses and I think Sporting did a good job of countering them. We were in their penalty area several times, but we weren’t able to have that final pass or that final strike with confidence. However, I don’t believe goalkeeper Tim Melia stole any goals from us. There was a lack of finishing, but Kansas City also defended well, ”analyzed midfielder Samuel Piette.
Wilfried Nancy’s men also missed a great opportunity to distance themselves from FC Cincinnati and Charlotte FC, who are chasing them for the fourth tier of the Eastern Conference. The head coach, however, does not think that this bitter defeat will leave traces within his group.
“For sure the players are not happy to lose like this once morest a struggling club. We have goals and we have to do our best to win these games, especially when we play at home, expressed Nancy. It’s the disappointment of the moment, but there are still a lot of matches. We’ll see how it goes later, but the most important thing is how you’re going to bounce back. »
Prior to the game, CF Montreal (9-8-2) announced that Victor Wanyama would be out with an illness unrelated to COVID-19, but Logan Ketterer was on COVID-19 protocol. of the MLS.
The Montrealers will resume action next Saturday at Stade Saputo, where they will host Toronto FC.
Two costly mistakes
CF Montreal quickly set the tone as they buzzed into enemy territory and the efforts paid off in the 13th minute.
On the right flank, Lassi Lappalainen first took defender Ben Sweat out of his shoes before performing a superb cross at the far post that Quioto skillfully redirected with a header into the back of the net.
Very little threatening so far, Sporting was opened the door in the 29th minute. Quioto had poor ball control and Espinoza grabbed it. Chased by Quioto and Piette, the Honduran fired a left-footed shot that went over the hand of Breza, who was well advanced on the pitch, before lodging in the back of the net.
“Romell took the ball in midfield and I was on his side to give him an option, but I think he never saw Espinoza coming. He hit first and I didn’t have time to block his shot,” analyzed Piette.
After several missed opportunities, notably on a corner kick, CF Montreal was surprised in the 63rd minute of play. During a sideline entry, Miller headed a ball that ended up behind him. Kayden Pierre grabbed it and he back pass to Walter, who unleashed a powerful shot that gave Breza no chance.
CF Montreal had several other chances in the penalty area before the end of the match, including that of Mathieu Choinière, repelled by Melia, but they failed to create equality.