A match that ends at 10 against 10. Chaotic goals for a 2-2 draw. Clearly, CF Montreal likes to star in action films with many adventures these days.
And like Bruce Willis in Die Hardhe came out of this meeting against the Phildadelphia Union bruised, but happy in the circumstances.
“I really liked the resilience,” submitted Laurent Courtois. But I think that in the management of emotions and the match, we were still a little naive. I was a little surprised at the technical errors that could have been avoided. »
If Courtois was able to compliment “the heart” shown by his men, it is above all thanks to the equalizing goal from Samuel Piette, scored in the 66the just after the red card awarded to opposing defender Jack Elliott.
A first goal in three years for the CFM captain, who had not found the back of the net since August 28, 2021, against Toronto.
“I am happier for the team than for myself,” said Piette afterwards, who did not fail to note the “commitment” of his teammates during this complicated match.
A quick goal, a red card
The Union, before Saturday evening, had gone five games without a win at home, and only one win in nine games. This means that for a rare time in recent years, Philadelphia was a viable opponent.
You had to know how to take advantage of it. That’s what Sunusi Ibrahim did… while the echo of the whistle announcing the start of the match was still ringing at Subaru Park. From the 49e second, the Nigerian took a good shot from outside the area. Served by Dominic Iankov, Ibrahim made it 1-0. His fifth of the season, his third this week. It was also the fifth fastest goal in Impact history.
PHOTO CHRIS SZAGOLA, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sunusi Ibrahim opened the scoring in the first moments of the match
It was the only moment of rejoicing for Montreal in the first half: Philly dominated the engagement, even if its possession of the ball was mostly sterile.
CF Montreal held the fort despite everything… until Ariel Lassiter received a red card at the end of the period. Official Ted Unkel initially gave him a yellow for an elbow against José Martinez, but a VAR check changed the color of the penalty.
It was the kind of game imbued with the intensity that the CFM lacked in the last month. The action took place near the sidelines and midfield.
Is that much intensity, at that moment, at that place on the pitch, necessary? I don’t know. […] I feel bad for Ariel. He’s a really good guy who’s had his ups and downs for a while, but he gives it his all. He has good intentions. I know that he will take this card very personally.
Samuel Piette, on the subject of Ariel Lassiter’s red card
Laurent Courtois’ men had to plan to defend 10 against 11 throughout the second period.
Edwards’ sacrifice
Before the hour mark, we thought the carrots were cooked. Philly had just scored in quick succession, in the 56the from the penalty spot, then at 58e from the foot of Mikael Uhre.
Sebastian Breza, who got his first MLS start this year, didn’t look good on the sequence leading up to the penalty. Neither did George Campbell on the next goal, who was knocked down in the area.
“I don’t know, it goes quickly,” Breza said when asked if he would like to rewatch the play leading to the penalty. I’m going to take my three days off and then I’m going to rewatch. But of course, it was me who faulted the guy, so it was me who got the penalty for my action. »
Then, at 63e, a glimmer of hope for Montreal. Jack Elliott’s studs made solid contact with Raheem Edwards. The local defender saw red in turn, while the Montreal full-back was taken out on a stretcher.
Courtois said Edwards’ injury “is not a pretty sight” and that he needed stitches. “Apparently there’s no breakage, it’s just ugly and open. »
On the subsequent free kick, none other than Samuel Piette grabbed the ball in the area to tie the game at 2-2.
“Raheem really threw himself to get this red card,” greeted the Quebecer. Big credit to Raheem for the effort. »
“It’s the bare minimum”
The match was tense as possible until the very end, especially for Montreal, like the end of John McClane’s evening in the Nakatomi Tower.
“We are very, very proud,” added Piette. We had things to make up for. Towards each other, towards the coach, the staff, the supporters, the club. For certain matches [dans le dernier mois], we didn’t give enough. In the end, the only thing you can control is commitment, intensity. Tonight and the last two matches are clearly representative of that. »
PHOTO CHRIS SZAGOLA, ASSOCIATED PRESS
CF Montreal will be able to take a breather by taking advantage of two weeks of vacation.
CF Montreal is going on a two-week vacation, out of breath after this hellish month of May, but with three matches without defeat.
“We really need to use this break to recharge the batteries,” says Piette, who himself will not be able to do so. He will head to Europe with Mathieu Choinière for his assignment with Canada.
“Well done to all the guys. This is the bare minimum for me. You have to show up for every match. The other teams are not going to give us anything. The closer we get to the end, the hotter and tighter it’s going to be. We will have to work harder, as we did this evening. This is how we will be successful and earn a place in the playoffs. »
RISING
Sunusi Ibrahim
His shot was as pretty as it was surprising at that moment in the match. In the absence of the entire CF Montreal offensive corps, Ibrahim is seizing his chance. “The ball of muscle”, as described by Piette last Wednesday, imposes quite a lot in the attacking third, he who can fight for the ball as well as take the good shots. With a contract linking him to CF Montreal until 2027, the club can only hope that the good performances of its striker continue.
FALLING
George Campbell
Difficult evening at the office for George Campbell. He got on all fours in his area on Philadelphia’s second goal and received a yellow card. That said, the Montreal ramparts were called upon in abundance. It’s hard to be perfect in these circumstances.