We thought he was exhausted, at the end of his resources, almost disinterested. But CF Montreal finally found its colors again with a 3-2 victory against Atlético San Luis, in the Leagues Cup, Tuesday evening.
Saputo Stadium was almost full for the occasion, and it was boiling from start to finish. A bit like the ambient heat, by the way.
This victory against the Mexican club now gives him hope of moving on to the next round of this competition. He will have to wait for the result of the match between San Luis and Orlando, next Sunday.
To get this victory that does so much good to the CFM, the victorious gestures came from a Montreal face that was still unknown until then. Tom Pearce, in his first start since his acquisition nearly three weeks ago, produced some great performances on two decisive actions in the first half. Then, at the end of the game, Sunusi Ibrahim scored the insurance goal.
Tom who, you say? Tom Pearce, this Englishman from Wigan, in the English third division. He surprised many from the start, showing a fierceness in his duels and in his interactions with his teammates. A hasty behavior, all the same, but we have to admit that he was missed by this team.
PHOTO GRAHAM HUGHES, THE CANADIAN PRESS
CF Montreal’s Tom Pearce (center) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Atlético San Luis during the first half of the Leagues Cup soccer match in Montreal, July 30, 2024.
But it was his left foot that got the crowd cheering. At 17ehe grabbed a fine ball alone in front of the box, and unleashed a powerful low shot for 1-0. A first goal in his first home game, nonetheless. That’s how you earn the love of the fans.
Meanwhile, up front, Matías Cóccaro was playing his most convincing match since his thunderous start to the season. As if this Mexican opponent had him back in his usual wild, not to say disheveled, form.
At 28ethe Uruguayan hit the target with a beautiful header, giving CFM a rare 2-0 lead. And who was the author of the superb cross, perhaps the best of the season, from the left?
You guessed it: Tom Pearce.
Saving changes
San Luis seemed to leave openings for Montreal players in a way that is rarely seen in MLS. Several defenders made breakthroughs that led to opportunities for the locals. Like Waterman’s, in the 32nd minuteewhich allowed Cóccaro to win a penalty after being brought down by the goalkeeper. But his shot was blocked by Andres Sánchez, a second consecutive penalty missed by the CFM after Martínez’s in Orlando on Friday.
PHOTO GRAHAM HUGHES, THE CANADIAN PRESS
CF Montreal’s Matías Cóccaro (9) scores against Atlético San Luis goalkeeper Andres Sánchez during the first half of the Leagues Cup soccer match in Montreal, July 30, 2024.
The visitors picked up steam after the break, with some pushes down the right wing from Dawid Bugaj in particular – also a new arrival, also making his first start.
But at the hour mark, Laurent Courtois made a saving quadruple change. CF Montreal found its wings again, moved forward again, and dominated the end of the match.
Well, he missed a number of golden chances that he created nicely. And Joel Waterman ended up conceding a penalty that led to San Luis’ first goal, scored by Franck Boli in the 76th minute.e.
Sunusi Ibrahim gave Montreal a breather with a lobbed header in the 82nd minute.e…
A goal that ended up being absolutely decisive, as San Luis, with the foot of Jurgen Damm, scored once again from the penalty spot in the 103rd minute.eafter a long video review. Once again, Waterman was the culprit, on this one.
After the disappointment against Toronto FC, then the correction against Orlando on Friday, here is Montreal finally with a convincing performance.