MONTREAL – Despite many opportunities in the second half, FC Montreal lost 2-1 to the Richmond Kickers on Saturday afternoon at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex.
The Kickers had many chances in the first half, but every time, the visitors were stopped by goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.
In the 20th minute, Montreal’s goalkeeper stopped a shot from outside the box from Samuel Asante, before getting back up quickly and to stop a close shot from Tsotleho Jane.
Back from the locker room, FC Montreal had the first chance to score. In the 48th minute, defender Zachary Sukunda crossed the ball into the box for Heikel Jarras, who hit it with his head towards the second post, but goalkeeper Matt Turner dived and made the save.
The Kickers then scored in the 63rd minute. Scott Thomson moved forward with the ball on the left flank before crossing it into the box. Crépeau touched the ball, but Luiz Fernando pushed it into the back of the net.
Montreal continued to push forward. In the 87th minute, Richmond’s defender fouled winger Alessandro Riggi in the box. Riggi took the penalty and shot low on the right to score.
Just after kickoff, Richmond took its lead back. Yudai Imura scored from a direct shot after a cross from the left in the 88th minute.
“It was a good second half, but there wasn’t enough quality in the first one,” said assistant coach Simon Gatti. “The guys fought well. We wanted the win after scoring, but on their second goal their guy was all alone in the box.”
“It’s often the same thing. We lack finishing,” said midfielder Heikel Jarras. “We always say the five minutes following a goal are important, and we were not focused after scoring, and they scored. It’s always in these times of the game that you need to stay focused. We’ve seen progress in the last few games.”
FC Montreal will play its next game on Wednesday, August 10, at 7pm against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex.
LINEUPS
FC Montreal: Maxime Crépeau; Zachary Sukunda, Jems Geffrard (Fabrice Mbvouvouma 78’), Kyle Fisher (Heikel Jarras 46’), Nevello Yoseke; Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé, Louis Béland-Goyette (Pierre Lamothe 80’), Aron Mkungilwa, Philippe Lincourt-Joseph (Mastanabal Kacher 46’), Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla; Anthony Jackson-Hamel (Alessandro Riggi 46’)
Subs not used: David Paulmin, Marco Dominguez
*MLS players
Richmond Kickers: Matt Turner; Braeden Troyer, Luke Mishu (Alex Lee 60’), Hugh Roberts, Chris Durkin; Tsotleho Jane (Scott Thomsen 60’), Samuel Asante, Luiz Fernando, Owusu Sekyere, Yudai Imura; Jackson Eskay (William Yomby 69’)
Subs not used: Mark Nankervis, Michael Callahan
GOALS
RIC: Luiz Fernando 63’
MTL: Alessandro Riggi 87’ (PEN)
RIC: Yudai Imura 88’
CAUTIONS
RIC: Jackson Eskay 23’
RIC: Luke Mishu 44’
RIC: Chris Durkin 60’