It was time to put things into perspective at CF Montreal on Saturday after the 2-0 loss at the hands of the Vancouver Whitecaps. Either way, it’s been 228 minutes since the Montreal team did not find the back of the net. However, within the group, we are still far from talking about an offensive drought or a gradual loss of confidence on an individual level.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a drought,” said striker Erik Hurtado.
“We haven’t scored a goal in two games. I think it’s a bit excessive to talk about drought. We scored six goals in four games; it’s more than a goal per game. I think we are correct ”, added the American, who was inserted in the meeting from the 58e minute of play Saturday.
“These are things that happen,” Hurtado added. Teams will play games without scoring a goal and the next, they will register several. It’s like that. You just have to turn the page. “
The fact that CF Montreal have totaled six goals in their first two outings proves, Hurtado believes, that the team has the capacity to be productive in attack.
The next game, which will come quickly as it takes place on Wednesday against Inter Miami CF, will give the team the opportunity to demonstrate it.
The Montreal team will have another meeting less than 72 hours later, in Atlanta.
“We have to find our rhythm. We have these two games coming up this week and we have to turn our attention to them. You’re going to win some games, you’re going to lose some. It’s part of the game, Hurtado said.
“We’re going to focus on Miami, work on our game in practice in the last third of the pitch and I’m confident we’ll get the results. “
For his part, head coach Wilfried Nancy remained positive even if he can see that his players have missed great opportunities to place the opponent in an uncomfortable position or even to get him out of games.
While this trend was evident against the Columbus Crew a week ago, it had already started in the previous game, against Nashville.
While CF Montreal led 2-0 after 45 minutes of play, Romell Quioto appeared alone in front of Joe Willis barely two minutes after the start of the second half. His shot had beaten the Nashville SC goaltender, but the ball went right off the target.
Less than ten minutes later, Nashville scored a first goal en route to a 2-2 draw.
Facing the Whitecaps on Saturday, Bjorn Johnsen let slip a golden opportunity to open the scoring at the 29e minute of play and score his first goal with CF Montreal after a nice pass from Quioto. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau stole a goal that seemed certain, thanks to a desperate dive to his left.
“We will always get chances. We have the team for that. Looking back, watching the game, talking with the players, working with them individually and collectively, we’re going to turn the tide, said Nancy.
“It’s a time, once again, when we can’t convert those occasions. It’s work. It’s still too early to talk about lack of confidence or anything. There are still a lot of games and we will reverse the trend. “
The current famine coincides with the absence of Mason Toye, who scored a goal in each of CF Montreal’s first two games. Each time, he had struck early, opened the scoring and placed his team in a favorable position.
Asked about Toye’s absence, Nancy insisted on the collective aspect and that her players had created scoring opportunities. The opposite would have bothered him, he added.
“It’s not just Mason, Bjorn or all the attackers. The point is, the players in front of the net should be able to finish the actions. I remain confident. “
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