The CF Montreal machine is well and truly underway in 2022. And it can thank its engine, Djordje Mihailovic.
Posted at 5:10 p.m.
The American was the conductor of this 2-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Bleu-blanc-noir’s home opener at Saputo Stadium on Saturday. He was involved in both of his goals, notably scoring the first goal of the match at the very start of the game.
It’s a third straight win for CF Montreal, which is now undefeated in four games. And this, despite a difficult start to the season.
Both teams were still stretching their feet after kick-off… but Mihailovic was ready. The American opened the scoring from the 2and minute, on a nice lobbed pass from Alistair Johnston. The fiery number 8 had sniffed out the bargain moments earlier, taking advantage of a disorganized Whitecaps defense and a gaping hole down the left wing.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
CF Montreal dominated the engagement in the first half. He was patient with the ball. He was meticulously building his game until an opening appeared. It must be said that the Whitecaps did not offer much opposition at this time.
Visibly having fun at the start of the period, the locals doubled the lead on the return from the break. Mihailovic, again, projected himself with speed in the center of the field towards the net. He got a decisive pass by putting the ball back in the area to Romell Quioto, who hit the mark in the 47thand minute.
Djordje Mihailovic has four goals and three assists this season in MLS. It is undoubtedly the most important offensive cog in his team. A call from the United States in anticipation of the 2022 World Cup is most certainly in his sights. And an increasingly conceivable possibility.
The Whitecaps would finally show some signs of life from the hour mark. Forward Brian White beat Montreal goalie Sebastian Breza in the 63and to make it 2-1.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Sebastian Breza was foiled only once during the game.
Complicated minutes for CF Montreal were to follow. We even thought the worst was going to happen, deep in stoppage time. The Whitecaps thought they had scored the equalizer in the 93and minute, shot from the head of Tosaint Ricketts. But at the video replay, it was stipulated that the Canadian striker was offside. The three points were safe.
The atmosphere was hushed at the start of the game at Stade Saputo. But the nervous moments at the end of the match raised the decibels.