MONTREAL – FC Montreal lost its season opener 1-0 to Bethlehem Steel FC, this Friday night at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal.
In the 43rd minute, the away team took the lead on a counter attack on the left flank. Walter Restrepo dribbled on the left before passing to forward Fabian Herbers, left alone in front of the box. Herbers controlled the ball before hitting it past goalkeeper David Paulmin.
Coming back after halftime, FC Montreal attacked and created good chances. In the 58th minute, Janouk Charbonneau dribbled on the right side before sending a cross in the box. Michael Salazar was first on the ball, but his scissor kick went over the bar.
In the 64th minute, Eric Ayuk found himself alone against the goalkeeper after a through pass. David Paulmin came out of his net to face him and stopped his low shot with his legs.
“It’s disappointing. We didn’t want to start with a loss like last year,” said midfielder Louis Béland-Goyette. “But it’s not all negative. We were going to the goal more often in the second half, we had our chances. We need to build on this second half.”
“We’re feeling frustrated because we didn’t recognize our players in the first half,” said head coach Philippe Eullaffroy. “In the second half we played the way we wanted, but it wasn’t enough. Technically we need to be better and more efficient in the box.”
FC Montreal will play its next game on Saturday, April 9, against Toronto FC II. The game will be played at 7:30pm at the Olympic Stadium, after the MLS game between the Impact and Columbus Crew SC. The ticket for the MLS game will include access to the USL game.
LINEUPS
FC Montreal: David Paulmin; Janouk Charbonneau, Kyle Fisher, Wandrille Lefèvre, Aron Mkungilwa; Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé, Louis Béland-Goyette (Fabrice Mbvouvouma 77’), Michael Salazar, Mastanabal Kacher (Charles Joly 67’), Fabio Morelli (Yacine Ait Slimane 56’); Jacques Haman (Heikel Jarras 71’)
Subs not used: Charles Desrochers, Simon Lemire, Nevello Yoseke
*MLS players
Bethlehem Steel FC: John McCarthy; Taylor Washington, Joshua Yaro, Michael Daly, Ryan Richter; Bolu Akinyode, James Chambers, Leo Fernandes, Walter Restrepo (Gabe Gissie 84’), Eric Ayuk; Fabian Herbers (Amoy Brown 91’).
Subs not used: Samir Badr, Nick Bibbs, Josh Heard, Fred, Mark McKenzie
GOAL
BSTFC: Fabian Herbers 43’
CAUTIONS
FCMTL: Aron Mkungilwa 35’
BSTFC: Michael Daly 40’
FCMTL: Wandrille Lefèvre 44’
FCMTL: Janouk Charbonneau 73’
BSTFC: James Chambers 74’
