It took 33 games – and a lot of rain – but CF Montreal finally seems to have found a winning offensive combination.
The trio composed of Romell Quioto, Kwadwo “Mahala” Opoku and Sunusi Ibrahim was inspired on Saturday evening in a rain-soaked Saputo Stadium and allowed the Impact to win 4-1 against the Portland Timbers.
Hernán Losada spoke of a “huge” performance after the match. Of “good mentality”. From his group which wants to show that it is “better than in the last six, seven matches”.
Ibrahim scored from the goal in the 28th, on an assist from Opoku. Opoku scored from the edge of the area in the 35th, on a pass from Ibrahim. Mason Toye also found the back of the net in the 76th minute for 4-0, after replacing Ibrahim a few minutes earlier. Franck Boli scored the only goal for the visitors in the 86th minute, when the match was already played.
But it was Mathieu Choinière’s powerful missile in the 64th minute that captured the imagination. The Quebecer had as much space as time to maneuver when receiving the cross pass from Romell Quioto. Which is to say: a lot.
As throughout the match, the Timbers’ coverage was poor, leaving the game completely open for Choinière. It is obviously not for nothing that the Oregon team has allowed 55 goals in 2023, making it the penultimate team in this regard in MLS.
Whatever. Choinière’s shot was precise, vigorous and perfect.
Losada is full of praise for his handyman, who takes care of his job seriously, whether he is stationed on the left, center or right of midfield. For the coach, Choinière is “an example for all the academy players” who want to become professionals, he says.
The one who has just been recalled by Canada played on the right against Portland. “He likes to play in the middle,” explains his technician. […] But he says: no problem on the right. No worries. I do the job, I also score the goal, I can also give assists. This is exceptional. »
As usual, Choinière preferred to focus on the performance of his collective rather than savoring his own glory.
“Like every match, I try to give 100% and help the team,” he said. Today, it paid off more, if I can say so. I’m happy with the group’s performance, everyone played really well. »
Choinière has now signed five goals and as many assists this season, making him the most productive player offensively for his team.
This goal put an exclamation point on this convincing performance from the Bleu-blanc-noir. In fact, Hernán Losada’s men played their best game in almost a month and a half. And they really needed it: this victory allowed them to end an ugly streak of seven games without a victory.
“I’m very, very happy for Sunusi and Mahala, they had a great match,” emphasizes Losada. Eddy Sebrango did a very good job with all the attackers. We invested a lot, a lot of time. Tonight, it paid off. I hope tonight is the formula for the next matches. »
We all remember the very critical comments from captain Samuel Piette after the thaw against Atlanta, who questioned the tactical management of his coaches.
Opoku, in particular, enjoyed returning to his natural position, the one he has cherished “since [his] childhood”, that of center forward. We saw it on the left wing with the CFM, in particular. Against the Timbers, he played as a passer for Quioto on his left and Sunusi on his right.
“It was really good,” he said, laughter never far from his lips. We train together, we get to know each other. I’m really proud of the guys, and of myself too. »
With this result, Montreal ensured that it finished the evening in eighth and penultimate position giving access to the playoffs.
But above all, he regains his confidence. And will be able to go on an international break with a light head.
While keeping an eye on the still fragile state of health of Romell Quioto, recalled by his selection. “I tell Romell: you go to Honduras like this, great fit. And you come back like this, super fit,” jokes Losada, who cannot afford to see his ace scorer fall in battle again.
Of the three attackers deployed up front by Losada on Saturday, Ibrahim was the most dangerous. He was the one who made the runs behind the defense, served by Quioto and Opoku just a little further down the pitch. Portland was terribly poor in all aspects of the game on Saturday, but this trio, with its speed, its inspiration and Ibrahim up front, could be the solution for the CFM.
It is very difficult to find a Montreal fault in this match. For the sake of argument, let’s name Romell Quioto, who still hasn’t regained his killer instinct in front of the net since his return to the game. He doesn’t have much time to get his score back up and running.
