2-0 win in Chicago | CF Montreal extinguishes the Fire

Not only is CF Montreal no longer losing, but it has added a hint of the spectacular to its victories.

Jean-Francois Teotonio
The Press

And this, even while fanning the embers of a struggling Fire: Montreal played 10 against 11 for the entire second half, but still won 2-0 in Chicago on Saturday night. This brought the unbeaten streak to eight for Wilfried Nancy’s men, who equaled the club record set earlier this year.

The head coach spoke of “courage” after the game. Of “strength”, “confidence” and “resilience”.

“The guys gave it their all,” he said. They faced adversity that was not expected. […] The guys stayed on task. They stripped to get this victory without taking a goal. They were brave. I am really happy. »

When Nancy talks about unforeseen adversity, he’s referring to the work of head official Michael Radchuk. The referee collected the harsh and questionable decisions on Saturday night. The tone was set when he handed a second yellow card to Ismaël Koné, at the very end of the first 45 minutes.

“I’m not used to talking about referees,” said the coach. I assume that they also have emotions. But today, yes, it was complicated. Even the fourth official [sur les lignes de côté] was okay with that. But now, the guys were able to get through it annoyed, but staying on the game. ”

Romell Golazo

But we were talking about a show. So let’s get to the heart of the matter.

It’s that there was only one team on the field in the first half. This dominance was confirmed at the 19^e minute, courtesy of the silky right foot of Ismaël Koné, precisely.

The Quebecer received a short pass from Lassi Lappalainen at the edge of the box. Then took a superb curling shot, sending the ball into the right corner.

And who else but Romell Quioto – or rather Romell Golazo – to run the steamroller? On a distant free kick, his strike was sumptuously lodged in the ropes. It was a 15^e for Quioto this season. A sixth in four games. Call the fire department, this man is on fire.

Visitors engaged the cruise control at this time. And also benefited from the early exit of Swiss star Xherdan Shaqiri from the 30^e minute, wounded in a thigh. But Montreal plans quickly changed.

Breza wins

Theoretically, the context was conducive to a comeback for Chicago in the second half. But that would be misunderstanding the Fire. The locals didn’t offer anything conclusive in the second period, despite their one-man advantage and the cards that were piling up for Montreal.

It must be said that Sebastian Breza offered one of his great performances of the season. As soon as the local flames came to life, the Montreal jailer threw down his bucket of water.

Breza stood out with some great saves (50^e64^e) and well calculated outputs. Whoever has shared the net with James Pantemis for a month and a half is playing with more and more confidence.

He was also greatly aided by a decidedly tight defense in front of him. Because even at 10 against 11, the Montreal ramparts were playing aggressively.

“Usually, when teams play with one man less, they settle in their own surface, analyzed Waterman. We don’t want to be left behind. It doesn’t matter if we are inferior. We play the same way, and we defend the same way. »

The co-captain adds that this victory proves that CF Montreal can win anyway.

“It showed the strength of character we have. We are a team capable of playing, but when we have to be dirtier, we can do it too. »

Mason Toye was stretchered out at 73^e after what was believed to be a shoulder injury, but his coach was reassuring that the American “had a stomach ache”, which had made the CFM staff hesitate to bring him into the game.

The last 15 minutes were like the second half: the game was tense in the Montreal zone, but the defense held on.

Casually, this victory for CF Montreal is already the eighth acquired on opposing courts in 2022, one more than at home. It was also his fourth shutout since mid-July. Definitely, this team is less and less shy.