CF Montreal resisted as best they could, but they were beaten 3-0 by the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night at Subaru Park.
No less than eight of the 11 starters for Wednesday night’s draw in Washington were left out for the duel against the Union (9-4-3), which has been almost unbeatable at home since the start of the season. 2019 (48-7-14).
The Bleu-blanc-noir had to expect a difficult game and it was the case, even if he had his chances in the last third.
The Philadelphia squad led the shooting column, 23 to nine, and the shots on target column, eight to two. She could even have had two or three more goals to her credit.
Julian Carranza hit the target twice, missing a golden chance, and Mikael Uhre scored the other goal for the Union, who have suffered just one loss in their last 31 games in front of his supporters (23-1-7).
With his eyes on the Canadian Championship final, which takes place Wednesday night in Vancouver, head coach Hernan Losada gave minutes to several different players, while resting the majority of his regulars.
Quebec goalkeeper James Pantemis notably made his first start since February 25, when he injured his shoulder. Pantemis had been available since May 20, but each time he had given up his place as starter to Jonathan Sirois.
CF Montreal (6-9-1) suffered a first defeat in its last four outings, but it was shut out for the seventh time on the road this season.
Intractable Union
The Montrealers were able to play with the Union at the start of the game, but the local team opened the machine from the 12e minute.
After recovering a long cross, Matt Real handed the ball to Carranza at the entrance to the penalty area. The latter made Bryce Duke freeze before unleashing a well-wound shot that deceived the vigilance of Pantemis on his left.
CF Montreal managed to threaten just four minutes later, but Real got in the way of a Zachary Brault-Guillard shot to put out the fire.
The visitors thought they could level the score at 30e minute, but goalkeeper Andre Blake closed the door in spectacular fashion before a close-range shot from Lassi Lappalainen.
This stop came to haunt the Montrealers a few minutes later. Nathan Harriel fired a shot that was deflected by Robert Thorkelsson and forced Pantemis to use his reflexes. The return, however, arrived at the foot of Uhre, who put the finishing touches.
The odds once again turned in favor of the Union in the 61e minute. Carranza had space to attempt a shot. The ball touched Gabriele Corbo’s foot and then Joel Waterman’s back to go helplessly over Pantemis.
Carranza had his hat trick on the toe a few minutes later, but missed a nearly free net. Waterman also acted up by stopping a ball at the goal line to leave the score as it was.