Vert et Or 3, Stingers 0: Concordia falls to Sherbrooke after difficult second half

Three goals and a late red card left the Stingers searching for answers after a tough loss to Sherbrooke

SportsHugo Conquet — Published September 21, 2026 0 minutes

The game started evenly, with both teams creating chances early on. Concordia enjoyed strong spells of possession and took some inquisitive shots, but their momentum slowed as the first half progressed.

Sherbrooke eventually opened the scoring in the 41st minute and added another goal just before halftime, leaving Concordia down 2-0 at the break.

For the Stingers’ assistant coach Strauss Mueller, the goals changed the way the team had to approach the second half.

“I think today was a little bit one of those games,” Mueller said. “We gave up a goal right before halftime, and we needed to spend halftime adjusting.”

Concordia fought hard in the second half, but struggled to turn its chances into goals. The Stingers also dealt with several injuries as the game became more physical.

Mueller said the team showed determination despite the difficult circumstances.

“I think we had good energy, goodwill to fight in the second half,” Mueller said. “I think there’s a good fighting spirit, at least. It’s just making sure that we limit our moments where silly things happen.”

The Stingers eventually conceded a third goal as Sherbrooke increased its lead. Concordia continued to look for opportunities but couldn’t find the back of the net.

Tim Victor Lessing, who scored Concordia’s lone goal of the season in their last game, said the team needs to start converting its chances.

“We have to start scoring,” Lessing said. “I’m looking forward to scoring goals because we’ve scored one goal in three games and it’s clearly not enough.”

Concordia’s striker Malick Abdoul Diakite tried to be a force for the Stingers throughout the game; however, he ultimately received a red card late in the match.

Diakite said frustration had built up throughout the game before the incident.

“I was really frustrated,” Diakite said. “I feel bad because it puts the team in a bad position. I know they’re going to need me on Sunday, but unfortunately I won’t be there on the field.”

Stingers centre back Amadou Alioune Diop said the team needs to become more aggressive and limit the mistakes that have led to goals.

“I think the three goals we conceded, it’s not really Sherbrooke; it’s us giving them the opportunity to score,” Diop said. “It’s really just an error, counterattack, goal.”

Despite the loss, the Stingers are looking ahead to their next game. Diop said the team will need to take the season one game at a time.

“We’re going to try to play without complexes,” Diop said. “We have nothing to lose against them, so maybe the guys are going to play with less pressure, and we’ll be able to express ourselves better on the field.”

Concordia fell to the Université de Montréal Carabins by a score of 3-0 in its next match on Sunday, Sept. 20. The Stingers now turn their attention to the next match against the McGill University Redbirds on Friday, Sept. 25. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m.