MLS: a first essential goal for CF Montreal against Orlando City SC on Sunday

MONTREAL – The first goal of a game, no matter the sport, is rarely trivial. In a duel of such crucial importance as Sunday’s at Saputo Stadium, it could well prove to be essential.

At least this is the opinion expressed on Friday by the assistant coach of CF Montreal, Laurent Ciman, about 48 hours before the visit of Orlando City SC.

Called on to replace head coach Wilfried Nancy, who has remained at home due to illness unrelated to COVID-19, a team spokesman said, Ciman acknowledged that the Florida team could adopt a much more defensive style if it took the lead in the meeting.

“If we can score early in the game, it will open up the game quite a bit. So, it will be good for us. On the other hand, if it is the opposite, it will be even more complicated for us to try to pass this wall. If they manage to score, it is certain that they will have a much more defensive pattern, ”he said.

With two points separating them in the Eastern Conference and only one game to play, CF Montreal (12-11-10 – 46 points) and Orlando City SC (12-9-12 – 48 points) are still looking to qualify. for the playoffs.

However, Orlando City SC has more leeway, as a draw will be enough. In the worst-case scenario, the Florida team could even extend their season with a loss, if Nashville SC defeats the New York Red Bulls at the same time.

As for CF Montreal, the scenario is quite simple: they must win. And to get there, the recipe is also simple, suggested Ciman.

“We focus on our game and on us, no matter how they come and with what frame of mind. We have to be better than them, anyway, since we are playing our qualifying for the playoffs, ”recalled the former Belgian international.

“With everything we’ve been through in the past, everything we’ve done and how we’ve progressed as a team, I don’t think this match should scare us. We respect Orlando, it’s a great team, they have a well-stocked bench. I think we will need everyone and we will be ready for this great final, ”he added.

On the sidelines, the group of CF Montreal coaches should be able to count on players who will be feverish and who will want to end a season beyond expectations in the most beautiful way.

“Everyone is really excited about this game. We know that we have our destiny in our hands; if we win, we do the playoffs “, Recalled with enthusiasm the midfielder Mathieu Choinière.

“We can’t wait to play him, we can’t wait to see the result at the end of the game. We hope it will be positive because we have worked hard and I think we deserve to do the playoffs Added Choinière, who contributed to CF Montreal’s 4-2 victory in Orlando in September.

Despite all the excitement that CF Montreal players, especially the younger ones, could feel in the face of such a significant meeting, Ciman recalled that it was important that they remain calm and keep both feet on the ground. Earth.

“It’s a playoff game without being. We have to win. We’re not going to hide, we’re not going to start inventing things, ”noted Ciman.

“Now there is a way to win. There’s no point in rushing. We have a match that will last 90 minutes and even more; we will have time to have chances and to score goals. «