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MONTREAL – Despite a plucky showing at Stade Saputo, York9 FC bowed out of the 2019 Canadian Championship on Wednesday evening following a 1-0 loss (3-2 on aggregate) to the Montreal Impact of MLS.
The Nine Stripes were on the back foot for much of the evening, needing to sit back and weather the storm from Montreal’s attack. They kept the home side at bay for the first half, with York9 having the best chances from counter-attacks — including an eighth-minute opportunity for Ryan Telfer, who sidestepped the Impact keeper 30 yards out but sailed his long-distance shot just over the bar of an empty goal.
The Impact, who would’ve advanced on away goals had the score finished 0-0, added to their advantage early in the second half. Ignacio Piatti chipped the ball off York9 defender Diyaedinne Abzi’s hand, winning himself a penalty, and the Argentine forward put it away to give Montreal the lead.
With York9 needing two goals in the last half hour of the match, their attack continued to press, but they couldn’t find the back of the net. Despite winning several corners and dangerous free kicks in the dying moments, none of the visiting team was able to beat Montreal’s rookie Canadian keeper James Pantemis.
After advancing through two prior CanChamp rounds, York9’s journey to the Voyageurs Cup is over. Montreal, meanwhile, will move on to the semi-finals, where they’ll meet the winner between Cavalry FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps.
With focus now turning back to the CPL, York9 will head home for a league match this Saturday at York Lions Stadium, against HFX Wanderers FC (3:30 p.m. ET, on OneSoccer).
Box Score
Goals
55′ – Ignacio Piatti (Montreal Impact)
Discipline
85′ Yellow – Saphir Taider (Montreal Impact)
85′ Yellow – Joe Di Chiara (York9 FC)
Three Key Performers
Wataru Murofushi (York9 FC)
The Japanese midfielder created both of York9’s best chances on the night, with two superb long balls that resulted in shots just over the bar. He showed surprising strength in holding off his marker and setting up Ryan Telfer’s empty-net opportunity in the eighth minute.
Ignacio Piatti (Montreal Impact)
Montreal’s star attacker returned to the lineup on Wednesday after a lengthy injury and showed his quality. The penalty was professionally taken, and he was dangerous (if at times a little rusty) on the dribble and in setting up chances for his teammates.
Nathan Ingham (York9 FC)
Perhaps extra motivated by the penalty he gave away in Leg 1, York9’s keeper was confidently solid in Montreal. He made six saves and commanded his box with authority, coming well out to punch away a couple of threatening crosses.