CF Montreal’s matches against Mexican clubs never disappoint. They have that little je-ne-sais-quoi that makes them automatically go down in history.
It is perhaps given this thirst to win which is exacerbated by hungry rivals like no one or by the presence of a Mexican delegation in the stands. Regardless, we can definitely classify this match between the Impact and the Pumas UNAM in the Coupe des Ligues in this category.
While the Bleu-blanc-noir was easily heading for a 2-0 victory, the Mexicans scored two goals in the last minutes of play and forced the shots on goal. Nearly half of the Saputo stadium rose during the equalizing goal that occurred in stoppage time.
It should be remembered that in this competition between the clubs of the MLS and the LigaMX there is no draw verdict. The duel therefore moved to the penalty shootout, which the Montrealers won 4-2.
Those who see the glass half empty will say that the Montrealers lost a precious point in this group phase by not winning in regulation time. For those who see it half full, Hernán Losada’s men were able to get a bonus point considering the result.
Montreal takes the lead of its group with two points and the Pumas are behind with only one. DC United, which will be in Montreal on Wednesday, has not yet started its tournament.
Despite the frenzied end to the game, not only considering the goals and the atmosphere, but also because of the multiple clashes, the Impact was frozen during the shots on goal. All four shooters scored as Jonathan Sirois saved a shot.
Yet it seemed almost impossible to remain calm in front of this spectacular atmosphere. The whole stadium was up for the end of games, Montrealers and Mexicans.
Barely recovered from their emotions, the young people of CF Montreal see virtues in playing this brand new tournament.
Matches like that I haven’t had a ton of, but I take them with open arms because it’s matches like that that grow as much on my emotional control as the management of the match. So the more matches like this I can play, the better.
Jonathan Sirois, CF Montreal goalkeeper
PHOTO PETER MVSCABE, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Jonathan Sirois
The jailer was involved in this duel. He himself received a yellow card after running to defend a teammate. The Quebecer, who is in his first season in MLS, will be able to learn valuable lessons from this colorful game.
“It was fantastic”, summarized Joel Waterman on the intensity of the duel. “I don’t think you see the animosity between the two leagues in MLS. We really want to beat them and they want to do the same. […] That’s what the fans want: passion. »
It is therefore on a framework of trumpets and drums that the game initially open on both sides has been transformed into a disjointed game. Then in rififi. He had a lot of comrades during the match, during the penalty shootout and even after the final whistle.
If this match gave Sirois new experiences, we suspect that the visit of Wayne Rooney and his men will do the same. Unless this new competition is the catalyst.
Up: Nathan Saliba
In such an open match, the midfield pair of Mathieu Choinière and Nathan Saliba delivered the goods. This is what is now expected of Choinière, who participated in the All-Star game earlier in the week. However, its Quebec counterpart was just as important. His tackles and his cuts were precise and he provided an unparalleled effort. Losada will put a star in his notebook.
Down: Lassi Lappalainen
We must give credit where credit is due, the Finn shot a perfect penalty to give the victory to the Montrealers. However, apart from this action, he was virtually invisible in the 45 minutes he spent on the pitch. Whoever made a comeback after being sidelined with a sports hernia did not earn points for that performance.
The number of the match: 210
As CF Montreal defender Joel Waterman said, the crowd was “noisy” as the so-called visitors tied the game. A confession that is true. The striker, Emanuel Montejano, then sported the number 210. A picturesque moment to wish.