Bryce Duke arrived with the mission to jazz up the CF Montreal offensive, so far completely flat and too predictable. He proved himself worthy of being the maestro.
The Bleu-blanc-noir’s new number 10 orchestrated most of the good chances and helped the Montrealers to a 2-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night at Stade Saputo.
For the first time this season, the Impact dictated its pace of play, created several scoring chances and didn’t just resign itself to sending long balls to Chinonso Offor.
Montreal, which was the first team in MLS history not to score in six of the first seven games of a season, finally found the back of the net after brilliant passes from Duke and Aaron Herrera. Ultimately, it was a New York defender who redirected the ball into his own net. In stoppage time, Mathieu Choinière confirmed the victory for the locals by taking the return of a shot from Offor.
The quality of the technical gestures and the creativity that Duke demonstrated with the ball at the foot in addition to an aggressiveness without possession allowed the CFM to exploit the midfield against their rivals known for their hermetic defensiveness.
Sirois the last rampart
If the CFM obtained its first shutout of the campaign in MLS, it can thank its goalkeeper. Jonathan Sirois saved his defense a few times, including at the start of the game with a spectacular outing.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
And in the final 25 minutes, as the club went 10-11, he slowed the pace and inspired confidence.
With the imminent return of James Pantemis to the group, Sirois gives himself a serious option on the title of starting goalkeeper after having limited the damage during the slump of the club.
The Montreal defense was exploited, especially in the first half when several deep passes endangered the CFM block. Sirois was quick to leave his line and pick the ball up. Seamless performance.