Despite a fifth game unbeaten, CF Montreal missed a great opportunity to take three points in the table against Inter Miami, which was served to them on a silver platter.
That 2-2 draw leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of players, but also fans, after Wednesday’s win in Extremis against Crew in Columbus.
But back to the game against Miami. The Florida formation may have given the most beautiful invitations, but Wilfried Nancy’s men didn’t know how to use them properly. Rarely do you see a team that doesn’t put pressure on their opponents when in possession of the ball, can attack so easily and has countless chances to score.
CF Montreal could do whatever it wanted, move the ball around and throw in the passing lines without really worrying. For example, Samuel Piette had all the time in the world to find Quioto on the team’s first goal. On the second success, he made a center towards Mason Toye, resulting in a penalty realized (again) by Quioto. Everything was done with unusual ease while the Quebecois was not under pressure.
Miami’s three central players and their midfielders didn’t defend well and didn’t even try to defend well. The result was a draw due to a general lack of quality in and around the penalty area on the Montreal side. Toye, Lassi Lappalainen and even Djordje Mihailovic had multiple chances to score or assists.
Bad defensive habits
In my last column, I expressed my appreciation for CF Montreal’s good defense against New York City FC. This appreciation only lasted a week, when the club unfortunately returned to normal. In Miami’s two goals, CF MTL suffered from poor defensive position, a lack of anticipation and concentration. Waterman and Rudy Camacho are having a good season, but they struggled a lot this game.
Miami’s second goal saw Waterman completely out of position, allowing three players to invade Montreal territory against just two CF Montreal players. We can’t afford it.
In addition to Waterman and Camacho, Toye and Mihailovic could have given more in my opinion. Especially Mihailovic who is able to make beautiful music but sings out of tune at the moment. It’s very easy to criticize from the outside, but I know things can get complicated during a game.
However, it was very clear that Victor Wanyama should have been replaced, and that was by the end of the first half. It wasn’t like usual. He involved very little offensively and didn’t protect the defensive line well. He looked like a player with no energy. He should have been sidelined and replaced by an energetic young player like Ismaël Koné to work alongside Piette.
Miami without energy
I’m surprised that Miami coach Phil Neville and one of the owners David Beckham have managed such a weak team since joining MLS.
Even so, they were probably among the best teams Manchester United could field. The team plays with very little energy, with no defensive skills. With 39 allowed goals, she is one of the worst in the Garber Circuit.