FC Montreal Extends Losing Streak to Six on Home Turf
Sean Okoli Scored Twice For FC Cincinnati As Montreal Are Yet To Win At Home.
Head coach Philippe Eullaffroy was sent off in what could be described as another frustrating game for his team, as FC Montreal fell 2-0 to FC Cincinnati.
His anger was directed towards the referee who handed defenseman Janouk Charbonneau a second yellow card, leading to an automatic red card.
Charbonneau was called out for descent, which is given when a player talks back to a referee. He was kicked out of the game and will not be eligible for the next game on Saturday against the Richmond Kickers.
“It’s frustration,” said assistant coach Simon Gatti in French. “When the team isn’t winning, this is how you let out your frustration out. That’s all it is.”
It seems like the same old story plays on repeat for FC Montreal. Playing the second of a four-game home stand, Eullaffroy’s team played a solid first-half after creating several scoring chances resulting into corner and free-kicks. However, with Badreddine Boulajoul’s absence, the team’s lack of natural scoring power was once again an issue.
“We’re missing key players and we don’t have a striker right now and that’s what hurts us,” said Gatti.
Defensive mishaps and an inability to capitalize on their offensive opportunities cost Montreal the game. Mid-way through the first half, both teams took a water break due to the heat. The pause in the game proved costly and broke Montreal’s momentum. Forward, Sean Okoli scored off a cross from Jimmy McLaughlin to open the scoring and make it 1-0 at the 33rd minute.
“It’s a lack of concentration;,” said midfielder Mastanabal Kacher in French. “It’s all mental. It’s about our approach after a break or after half-time. When you do it once or twice, you can let it go but we keep making the same mistake. It’s something we have to stop doing.”
The second half was largely dominated by Cincinnati as Okoli scored again for his team at the 70th minute.
Despite the loss, both Gatti and Kacher believe the team played a good game overall.
“We followed our game plan for most of the game,” explained Kacher. “Our approach in the last three or four games has been getting better but the results aren’t there to prove it. We didn’t look like we played like a team that’s at the bottom of the Eastern conference.”
“In general, we are satisfied with the way we played in the 1st half but things got harder in the second,” said Gatti.
Montreal plays the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, August 6 at Claude Robillard Stadium. Kacher believes him and his team need to stick to the game plan and focus on the little details. Toiling the bottom of the Eastern conference, the midfielder is approaching the rest of the season with realistic expectations.
“We have nothing to lose now,” said Kacher. “We’re gonna play to entertain, work hard and make fans happy.”
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