Defeat of CS Saint-Laurent against Toronto FC | “It was 11 humans against 11 humans”

CS Saint-Laurent brilliantly held off Toronto FC for more than a half at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex on Wednesday evening. He finally lost 3-0, after a more than honorable performance, in the rain, in front of 6,482 supporters who even released smoke bombs and firecrackers for the occasion.

The atmosphere was special. And the moment – ​​a meeting in the quarter-finals of the Canadian Championship – suited it. Even John Herdman agreed.

“What a performance by Saint-Laurent,” said the TFC coach straight away in the post-match press conference. I found them excellent this evening. It was a hellish atmosphere. It had all the air of a real Cup match. And there are more media here than I have in Toronto! »

We are talking here about a semi-professional club against an MLS team. Players who train four times a week, some with two jobs on top of that, against international stars. Loïc Kwemi against Matty Longstaff, a former Newcastle player, in the Premier League. Ousama Boughanmi against Jonathan Osorio, pillar of the Canadian selection. Goalkeeper Kosta Maniatis against Federico Bernardeschi, designated player and former Italy player.

Defender Nathan Goulet, 22, spoke of the “dream” of this clash against players of the caliber of Bernardeschi, whom he saw playing on TV in the Champions League with Juventus.

But also the reality which quickly took the place of the waking dream.

“(At the start of the match) we were quite stressed,” he explained to journalists. But once the first 5-10 minutes passed, it felt like it was 11 humans against 11 humans. »

Lack of opportunism

Our eyes saw the same thing as the speakers cited above: we quickly understood that Saint-Lo was not there to be stepped on. Yes, Herdman released his B team. Only Longstaff and Osorio, in the starting lineup, are starters in MLS.

The first chance to score came from the Canadian international, in the 7^e minute. His shot, on a return, was blocked on the goal line by Goulet.

“That’s really when we got into the match,” he underlined. It did us good. »

Otherwise, both teams had their chances in the first half. Those of the locals made his supporters stand up. Oussama Boughanmi, the powerful midfielder from Saint-Laurent, demonstrated his know-how. And above all, despite his 34 years, he would have the profile of a real professional player.

“I think our entire team can play at a better level,” said Saint-Laurent head coach Nick Razzaghi when asked about the potential of his flock. I am very sincere in saying that. (…) Some have the potential to cross the barrier and even go to MLS. »

As the match progressed, however, the crowd favorites lacked opportunism. They had chances, but the balls barely found the target.

Quebecois gratin at Claude-Robillard

The evening had all the ingredients to be folkloric. Already, an hour before the match, we had a taste of it by setting foot at the legendary Ahuntsic restaurant La Patate Rouge. We met several media colleagues there, as well as the friendly Justine Longpré, head of the 1642MTL supporters group.

We arrive at the press gallery of the sports complex. Who don’t we meet? Former Impact head coaches, Valerio Gazzola and John Limniatis, in a box. No, they did not want to comment on the situation at CF Montreal. Yes, they were delighted with this great evening for Montreal, Quebec and Canadian soccer.

At halftime, we realize that all the elite of Quebec soccer came to watch this historic meeting. Mauro Biello and his two sons, Gabriele and Alessandro. Vasily Cremanzidis. Olivier Fox. As you have read in our pages, it is impossible for them to speak publicly about their status with the CFM. But their pleasure in attending this meeting was indeed there, we assure you.

The steamroller is essential

We return to our seat in the press gallery. Unfortunately, we cannot sit down. The excited young teenagers in front of us will remain on their feet throughout the second half. Most of the lines you are reading now were written under these circumstances.

Returning from the locker room, TFC puts its foot on the accelerator. At the 50^eLongstaff draws in the area, and makes 1-0.

The match is played eight minutes later. After an action that the crowd and the Saint-Lo players believe earned them a penalty, the TFC seizes the ball on a counter-attack, Deandre Kerr gets rid of a defender and sends the ball from the area into the net. 2-0.

“We are not in a situation that allows us to survive referee call errors like these,” lamented Razzaghi, who agreed that his team should have defended the following action better.

“But we feel aggrieved by the decision. We’re sure it was a touch of the hand. Even after seeing her on the resumption. I have a lot of questions. »

As if that wasn’t enough, the big gun that is Federico Bernardeschi came into play in the 65th^e. At the 76^e, his lob free kick surprised everyone, including goalkeeper Maniatis, and went into the net. 3-0. The task, already gigantic, will now be titanic next Tuesday, at BMO Field, for the return match.

“Huge pride”

Even with such a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Razzaghi said he was “too competitive” to appreciate the end result.

“It would be a lie to say I’m just happy to be here. We can do better. And the guys want to do better too. »

He nevertheless says he is satisfied to have continued to “offer a game” even under pressure. “We were never afraid to do our own thing. It’s a huge source of pride to do this. »

And we repeat: CS Saint-Laurent was dealing with a team from the North American premier division, while its own players have to juggle a busy schedule outside of soccer.

“We have school and work on the side,” recalled Nathan Goulet. And full-time training. »

Was he at work on Wednesday?

“No, today and yesterday were off! »