December 3, 2023
  • December 3, 2023
CF Montreal Vaughan Azzurri Canadian Championship

CF Montreal Beat Vaughan, Advance To CanChamp Quarter-Final

By on April 19, 2023 0 703 Views

On Tuesday night at Saputo Stadium in front of a sparse crowd the home team advanced after beating the Azzurri from Ontario League One.

In the first 10 minutes, the visitors came out on the front foot catching CF Montreal off guard and getting a great chance to open the scoring early on, but Logan Ketterer – who got the start in goal – made a critical save.

From there it was all CF Montreal dominating in shots, possession, and control of play as the gap between pro and amateur began to show.

In the 15th minute, Ariel Lassiter once again proved his worth with a great chance to open the scoring but was denied by the Azzurri keeper Gianluca Catalano.

Six minutes later it was Bryce Duke with his first chance of the game on target, but Catalano made another brilliant save and in the 24th minute Ilias Iliadis’s header went off the crossbar and stayed out.

In the 30th minute It was Sean Rea’s turn as he looked to get CF Montreal on the board but again was denied by Catalano, who was keeping his team in the game.

A minute later Rea was at it again but Catalano made a huge save and, a quick minute later and on a Montreal corner, Rea finally managed to beat him from the top of the box to open the scoring.

Five minutes later CF Montreal doubled their lead with a great give-and-go between Sean Rea and Sunusi Ibrahim, who put the ball into the back of the net.

The best chance of the second half came in the 58th minute as Lassiter was looking to make it 3-0, but again Catalano did an amazing job making a crucial save.

CF Montreal will now face Toronto FC in the next round which will be either on May 9, 10, or 11th at BMO Field, with the date still to be confirmed.

After the game, head coach Hernan Losada mentioned he was pleased with the win and this could be the start or push the team needs to get back on the right track.

“We needed to score more goals tonight, but it was good to be able to give minutes to players who were coming back from injuries and were looking for rhythm. It was especially good for our confidence. We created several chances. It’s a good starting point for the future. Collectively it was a solid game. It was also important to preserve the clean sheet. We know that there can be surprises in a cup game. Amateur clubs are always very motivated.”

Sean Rea, who had a night in front of his friends and family in attendance, was also pleased with his performance.

“I am really happy. It’s been a dream since I was young to score in front of our fans. Tonight’s result will help our confidence. It’s nice to have this game to help us get ready for Saturday. I see the potential to combine with Bryce Duke and contribute together. We like to create chances and over time we can develop something good.”

CF Montreal will be back in action on Saturday when they resume MLS play when they host the New York Redbulls at Saputo Stadium.

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