Summary
NASHVILLE – CF Montreal lost 2-0 to Nashville SC in the rain on Saturday, losing a third straight game to start their season.
Jacob Shaffelburg and Taylor Washington scored the goals for Nashville and each side was shown a yellow card.
Washington confirmed Nashville’s victory with an 89th-minute goal, redirecting a cross in superb fashion for its first MLS goal.
“The defense was good,” said CF head coach Hernan Losada. It’s a collective game and when a player makes a mistake, the others have to correct it. »
Victor Wanyama attempted a shot from a few yards outside the box in the dying minutes of the game, but as was the case for CF several times in the game, his shot went over the net.
Nashville got a good chance to double their lead in the 69th minute when Teal Bunbury came on alone against the CF keeper. His shot, however, hit the post to the right of Jonathan Sirois.
Nashville made two changes in the 66th minute, including bringing in Washington in place of Shaffelburg. Seconds later, Washington received a yellow card for a foul on Aaron Herrera.
After a mixed first few minutes in the second half, CF made a few breakthroughs in the offensive zone, but the games ended in off-target shots or interceptions from the defense.
Shaffelburg opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a powerful shot into the top of the net, giving Sirois no chance. A three-man offensive outburst gave Shaffelburg a break on the wing, before taking their time to fire the ball up and make it 1-0 Nashville.
In the 34th minute, CF captain Wanyama received a yellow card after knocking down his rival in his run.
Bunbury got a great chance in the 26th minute when he slipped between the CF defenders. Bunbury, however, could not fire a good shot towards Sirois’ net.
Mathieu Choinière created the first good offensive chance for CF, but goalkeeper Joe Willis defied his cross well to prevent Romell Quioto from redirecting the ball with his foot.
The Montreal team controlled the ball well during the first 10 minutes of play, but failed to break through the opposing defense for a real chance to score.
Herrera said the coaching staff had prepared the players well for the match, knowing that they would face a cautious team.
“Nashville is hitting long and playing safe,” Herrera said. However, even if we were prepared for this, we must first stay calm and find a way to be better offensively on our side. »
Joel Waterman, who was playing his first game after missing the first two games of the season, said he felt good when he returned to the game.
“It was good to be able to build on that,” said the central defender. I felt good physically, but my focus was mostly on the team and what we can do better. I think we controlled the ball well. However, we need to find more rhythm. We probably could have shot more at the net in this game. »
CF will face the Philadelphia Union on March 18 at the Olympic Stadium.