Montreal’s Leagues Cup Hopes Smashed by Puebla’s Late Goal
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By Kaus Pandey
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Summary:
- Ricardo Marin’s 73rd-minute strike gave Puebla a 2-1 win over CF Montreal in the Leagues Cup.
- Montreal played over 70 minutes with 10 men after Joel Waterman’s early red card.
- Brendan Craig hit the post in stoppage time as Montreal’s tournament run ended.
Ricardo Marin’s decisive strike in the 73rd minute sealed a 2-1 victory for Club Puebla over CF Montreal in Tuesday night’s Leagues Cup clash at Stade Saputo, ending the home side’s hopes of advancing in the tournament.
Marco Donadel: ”I’m Proud of My Guys”
Montreal’s elimination was confirmed with the loss, while Puebla, now 2-0-1, kept their knockout stage aspirations alive.
The hosts were first to strike right after halftime when Caden Clark chased down a loose ball and passed it to Prince Owusu, who was lurking at the back post. Owusu immediately took the opportunity and slotted home in the 47th minute, putting Montreal ahead.
However, the advantage didn’t last long. Puebla followed suit 10 minutes later with a equalizer, when Emiliano Gomez, who had earlier missed a penalty, pounced on a rebound after Efraín Orona’s long-range effort hit the post.
Marin’s eventual winner came from a defensive lapse that left him unmarked in front of goal.
Interim head coach Marco Donadel said,
I’m proud of my guys, and I think that CF Montreal must always play with this intensity and this mentality. It will be much easier to correct mistakes with this mindset. It was amazing for us to improve (during this competition) as a team and as a group.
Montreal’s start was bright. The team successfully created space down the right and carved out half-chances in the opening quarter-hour.
The evening took an unexpected turn in the 21st minute when Joel Waterman received a red card. Thomas Gillier kept Montreal alive by diving to stop Gomez’s penalty, crediting his preparation.
Thomas Guller: “It’s a Mix of Emotions”
All the credit goes to Vincenzo (Benvenuto), we worked together with Jo (Sirois), Seba (Breza) and Emil (Gazdov) to analyze their matches and their shooters. It’s a mix of emotions with tonight’s game, but what I wanted the most is a team that fights, and I’m very happy with the group’s attitude.
Even with a man down, Montreal stayed compact, frustrating Puebla until the second half. After Gomez’s equalizer, Puebla pressed relentlessly, pinning the hosts deep. Marin’s goal proved the difference.
Tensions flared late, with referee Adonai Escobedo’s calls sparking a mass confrontation.
I think the nonsense was good for us, to be honest. It brings out a different anger in you — especially me — where you want to get at them and make them pay.
Montreal nearly found a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer when Brendan Craig’s free kick rattled the woodwork, but the final whistle ended their Leagues Cup run.
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