MLS: CF Montreal got a crazy and emotional victory on its return to Stade Saputo

MONTREAL – We had to expect an evening full of emotions, and above all a little crazy, for this first CF Montreal game at Saputo Stadium in 10 months. The Montreal club erased a 4-2 deficit in the second half to claim a spectacular 5-4 triumph.

We can probably forgive CF Montreal (6-3-4 record) for being overwhelmed by a surplus of emotions which caused too much defensive mess before the comeback. Fortunately, this excitement also propelled the attack which also closed a 0-2 delay. The Montreal representatives have not suffered the defeat in six straight games (4-0-2) which equals a team record.

It was obvious that Wilfried Nancy’s troupe wanted to reward each of the 5,000 spectators admitted for this return. The goals scored in the 72nd and 74th minutes – by Mason Toye, on a penalty, and Ahmed Hamdi – restarted the machine to the delight of the crowd.

Basically, could such a precious evening, after so many pitfalls for the Montreal organization, end in a draw? The CF MTL made sure that the conclusion was the one desired by the public. Hamdi added his second of the game at 87th minute to spark a powerful celebration.

 » It’s a good story! Sometimes it is said that these games are difficult to endure as a coach. But I want to say that I also do this job for that. It’s also a bit of the story of what is happening with the team. It’s very good, I’m proud for the players, ”admitted Nancy.

“You’re going to take me for a fool, but I loved it. Because it proves that the band doesn’t pretend. We have lived outside, we have been in adversity. At half-time, I told the players that we had made mistakes, but I wanted them to keep trying. I’d rather they make mistakes than pretend I’m perfect, ”added the coach.

“It’s the craziest game I’ve been involved in, not even close! Toye said with a smile.

It should be noted that Joaquin Torres was crucial in this Montreal performance. In addition to coming up against the uprights twice, the Argentine put on his first in the Montreal jersey on his first start. The little left-hander has everything it takes to electrify an audience that is just waiting for that.

It was not surprising to see him orchestrate the equalizer with a skilful feint. Moreover, from the second minute, a powerful strike from him on the crossbar set the tone for this stunning evening of reunion.

“Emotionally, that’s what I want. Yes, we conceded four goals, but the people who came could see what we want to give as emotions, ”said Nancy.

The victory also had a touching cachet because Jason Di Tullio, the Montreal club’s assistant on the sidelines for health reasons, spoke to the team this week as he battles cancer.

Before the Montreal comeback, leading to a first win against Cincinnati, every fine offensive wave had been buried by defensive errors.

Whether you have played a sport at a very recreational level or at a high level, there are nights that the opponent makes us pay on all failures. Yes, CF Montreal had to compose without two great defensive pillars (Kiki Struna and Kamal Miller), but nothing made sense in this crumbling of four goals against Cincinnati.

We saw goalkeeper James Pantemis make a huge blunder, we watched Rudy Camacho stumble at a terrible time, we cringe when Victor Wanyama lost the ball in a horrible place.

After all, the Montreal club had a superb defensive record with eleven goals conceded in 12 outings before this meeting.

“We gave a lot of gifts, I’m a bit disappointed with that. But one must be happy with the demonstrated character. We were able to reverse the score and we will remember that. The support of our supporters has helped a lot, ”noted Camacho.

“We made mental mistakes that we can’t do. Against more talented teams, the match could have been over. It’s a lesson learned, we pocket the three points, but we can not make these mistakes, “admitted Tsez, frankly, who also counted in the 21st minute.

In this story, we must not forget that Nancy’s protégés were unlucky, as stupid as it may seem. When the total of posts amounts to three in the first half, this observation is indisputable.

For those who love statistics, CF Montreal tied their team record with five goals in a game. As for the total of nine goals, this is a new mark for a game involving Montreal.

Already that CF Montreal had to compose without Samuel Piette, Kamal Miller and Romell Quioto for the Gold Cup, the team will travel to the United States, on Wednesday, to compete against the NYCFC. It will be interesting to see if the Montreal troop will be deprived of players who must remain in Canada for reasons of vaccination.