While the team was outclassed since the start of the game, Samuel Piette confirmed his place in the history of CF Montreal. He became the player with the most minutes for the club in MLS.
However, what was happening on the pitch did not make one want to celebrate. Besieged, the Bleu-blanc-noir struggled to resist the multiple offensive thrusts of Austin FC. Finally, these bad auspices were confirmed. A late goal from the locals allowed Matthew McConaughey’s club to defeat the Montrealers 1-0.
Piette, who beat Nacho Piatti for the most minutes with the Impact thanks to his 11,428e minute, not only helped out in central defense, but he had a very honest match before leaving with an injury.
After leaving Repentignois, everything collapsed. Striker Romell Quioto left the game, also injured, then a net at the 88e minute by former Impact member Maxi Urruti sank the CFM.
The troops of Hernán Losada therefore suffered defeat for the second time in as many outings.
Piette wore the captain’s armband for the game and replaced Joel Waterman in the central hinge, still annoyed by an injury. In fact, all the candidates who can play in central defense are in the infirmary. The names of George Campbell and Robert Thorkelsson can be added to that of the Canadian international.
The problem is that Piette, an improvised central defender, allowed Losada to maintain their tactical scheme with five defenders. With a long face and hands holding the left thigh, Piette ordered the end of his duel at the 70e minute.
The one who wet the jersey of the Montrealers 145 times, was also approaching a tenure of the team record (130), also held by the former Argentine star.
Local talent in the spotlight despite everything
Four home-grown players have carved out a place in the starting XI, including two who were getting their first MLS starts.
Jonathan Sirois was forced into a start due to the injury to starting goalie James Pantemis in the first game of the season. His first start came very close to also being his first shutout, but it wasn’t for lack of effort. After 15 minutes of play, he maintained the score at 0-0 despite an expected 1.03 goal from Austin. He multiplied the parades in extremis to keep his people in the game before being dropped by the collective.
A week after being employed as a substitute in the duel against Inter Miami, Sean Rea landed his first start with what he calls “his club”. The Lavallois notably got the best chance to score from his side, but his shot was stopped on the goal line by the rival doorman.
Former academicians Nathan Saliba and Mathieu Choinière also featured in the starting XI.