CF Montreal in the playoffs, with style!

(Montreal) This team, ladies and gentlemen. This team.

Jean-Francois Teotonio
The Press

How to describe what CF Montreal made its supporters experience on Friday night? The despair of defeat at Saputo Stadium. The moment that escapes him. This qualification for the playoffs which will have to be made wait. This room is packed with supporters who will have to come home disappointed.

Then this irresistible rise. These two goals scored by Victor Wanyama and Zachary Brault-Guillard at the very end of the game. This explosion of joy when the latter goes for the equalizer in the 95^e minute. This 2-2 draw acquired in the last seconds against the Columbus Crew. This observation of a team showing an unfailing resilience, an unshakeable composure in the face of adversity.

Put it all together, and you have this maelstrom of emotions emitted by a cheering crowd at the final whistle. And players who give off just as much on the field. Rarely have we seen such a boiling Saputo stadium.

“Who dares wins, summarized Wilfried Nancy, after the meeting. It’s one of the mottos we have. Whatever happens, we dare. »

The head coach’s gray sweater was slightly wet with sweat. It is unclear whether it was his own or that of his players, who had just thrown him at arm’s length in celebration on the pitch. Under the guise of sweet carolina which resonated in the enclosure, as is the tradition of 2022.

“There is a lot of emotion, he agreed simply. I remember the first day we took the team. We said to ourselves that we wanted to create something. »

The “thing” was created. Thanks to this spectacular draw, the CFM confirmed their place in the playoffs, while they still have four games to play.

“But the turn of the game, that’s our story. »

A wall named Pantemis

We sensed something was afoot Friday night. There was a full house. Section 132 was once again filled with groups of supporters. It was a great opportunity to mark the occasion.

But Columbus had other plans. Going all out at the end of the season to consolidate their sixth position in the standings, the Crew showed their desire at the start of the game. James Pantemis notably had to report three times in the first 20 minutes. Its very high quality parades allowed the CFM to emerge unscathed from this difficult moment. And to leave the door open to the crazy scenario that would eventually unfold.

“Yes, I make the saves, but afterwards, we score the goals too,” commented the goalkeeper.

“We get along very well together during the match. My teammates give me little nudges to encourage me. But that’s my job, at the end of the day. »

Montreal missed several great opportunities to take the lead in the first half. Mason Toye, in particular, showed that he still had not found the compass in the eye since his return to the game last June.

like lightning

Which brings us to that costly moment of misguidance in the second half. Like Montreal who struck like lightning at the end, Columbus took advantage of this wavering in the locals’ defense to score one after the other in the 66^e and at the 68^e. Jonathan Mensah gave the Crew the lead with a nice header. Then Lucas Zelarayan grabbed a return on the edge of the area to send the ball into the ropes on the fly.

Then came the tipping point. At the 76^e, Luis Díaz is expelled from the meeting. A certain hope has rebounded in the hearts of Montrealers. At that moment, everything changed. The hitherto adventurous Crew fell back. There were 20 players around and in the visitors’ box.

And at the 89^e, everyone starts to believe it. Victor Wanyama deflects Matko Miljevic’s shot with a header. It’s 2-1.

Would Montreal repeat the blow to the Crew, he who had won 2-1 by scoring two goals according to the same parameters last month in Columbus?

He kept pushing, at least. It buzzed among the Ohio players. And it ended up crashing.

Zachary Brault-Guillard grabbed the fine ball alone, far from the box. Then took a shot, which deflected slightly off Djordje Mihailovic. Just enough to outsmart the guard Eloy Room. And boost the Saputo stadium.

“I heard a little [la foule], told ZBG. Afterwards, I threw myself on all my teammates. I have to give a little wink to Kwame [Ampadu, l’entraîneur adjoint], who told me to knock. And Lolo [Ciman], too. I don’t punch enough sometimes. There, I said to myself: “Go ahead, I will try.” »

“We have a fire in us”

Brault-Guillard was smiling. His trainer too.

“It’s beautiful,” said Nancy. I am happy. It created good emotions for everyone. The stadium was happy. Everyone was. It’s a good time. »

“If I am asked to do it again, I would do it again, he adds, referring to the scenario of the meeting. I have always told you that the job I do goes beyond winning or losing matches. Today, we draw, and there is emotion as if we had won. […] Guys, they are like that. They don’t give up. They go all the way, up to the 96^e minute. It’s a great lesson. »

According to James Pantemis, “there is something special about this group”.

“We never give up. We have a fire within us. »