2023-07-09 07:56:36
MONTREAL — Apart from a stroke of genius in the second half, CF Montreal did not let Thiago Almada put on a show. Referee Ismir Pekmic, however, found a way to upstage him.
Almada set the table for the game’s only goal, Pekmic suffered the wrath of players and fans and CF Montreal was shut out 1-0 by Atlanta United on Saturday night at Saputo Stadium.
Trailing from the 54th minute, the Bleu-blanc-noir tried to tie the game, but Pekmic was sometimes quick on the whistle, sometimes slow to crack down. The referee created a jerky rhythm by sanctioning each small contact in the second half or by letting Atlanta United players (9-5-8) voluntarily waste time.
In stoppage time, goalkeeper Brad Guzan received a yellow card after numerous complaints from the home team. The straw that broke the camel’s back, however, came when Juan José Purata threw himself on the ground in front of his penalty area during an attack by CF Montreal (8-11-2). Pekmic interrupted the action, much to the displeasure of the fans, who threw a few cans on the field.
After the game, head coach Hernan Losada was diplomatic in expressing his displeasure, but he didn’t hide his disappointment.
“I’m disappointed with the second half because the rhythm was off. The yellow card to the goalkeeper is given when the match is almost over. That’s a shame. If we want to protect and promote a product, the referee has to be more aware of that and let it play a little more. I’ve never seen anyone stop play after a player fell on the pitch during a counterattack. The referee was largely responsible for the quality of the show,” Losada suggested.
Getting back to those who get paid to fuel the show, Almada showed why some teams aren’t shy about paying top dollar for players who can make a difference.
The 22-year-old Argentinian, who was acquired in February 2022 for an MLS-record sum of US$16 million, set up Brooks Lennon’s goal with a superb free-kick that landed on the post. Lennon, left unattended in the penalty area, only had to complete the maneuver on the rebound.
Earlier this week, CF Montreal midfielder Bryce Duke warned reporters of Atlanta United’s quality in set pieces.
“We knew before the game that Atlanta had scored a lot of goals from set pieces. It’s a second ball and we had to be more careful. We had the chance to clear the ball, but we weren’t there. Unfortunately, their only chance turned into a goal,” Losada said.
Almada was involved in several attacks and also gave Lennon a wonderful cross in the penalty area in the first half, but the latter failed to finish.
The CF Montreal players still had the impression of having limited the damage during the meeting against the one who won the World Cup with Argentina in December.
“We had defended him well as a team in my opinion. He didn’t have many chances and the only one he got he hit the post and they scored. Besides this streak, I think we worked very well as a unit,” said midfielder Victor Wanyama.
The Montreal troupe suffered a second loss in a row at Stade Saputo, the first since August 28 and September 9, 2020. They also suffered their first loss against Atlanta United in their last five meetings.
Last week, New York City FC managed to collect their first road victory this season thanks to a victory against the Montrealers. This time, Atlanta United secured their first triumph on opposing grounds since March 11.
Captain Samuel Piette was back on the bench after an absence of more than three months. Mathieu Choinière and Lassi Lappalainen, both injured, were missing.
CF Montreal will get back to work Wednesday night by visiting the Chicago Fire.
Coup franc fatal
The Bleu-blanc-noir tried his luck a few times at the start of the game, but he lacked a bit of finishing.
Striker Mason Toye was at the heart of a first scoring chance in the sixth minute, but his left-footed shot was blocked by Guzan.
About twelve minutes later, following a short corner kick, Duke crossed the ball for Toye, but his deflected header went over the net.
Atlanta United also buzzed near the penalty area in the 27th minute, but Lennon’s strike was blocked by Rudy Camacho.
The two teams exchanged a dangerous net shot in the 34th minute. First, Guzan had to dive to his left to grab a throw from Duke. Seconds later, Almada offered a precise cross to Lennon, who however narrowly missed the target to the right of the far post.
The visitors had a golden chance early in the second half, after Camacho had fouled Almada outside the penalty area, and they capitalized on it.
Twenty yards from the net, the Argentinian curled in a superb shot that hit the top of the post to the left of goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois. The ball came back in front and Lennon had no trouble sending it into an empty net.
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