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Author of the article:
The Canadian Press
Elijah Grigoriadis
Published July 22, 2023 • Read for 2 minutes
CF Montreal’s Bryce Duke scores against Pumas UNAM during the first half of a Leagues Cup soccer game in Montreal on Saturday, July 22, 2023. Photo by Peter McCabe /THE CANADIAN PRESS
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MONTREAL — A dramatic last-minute comeback from Pumas Unam to tie the game 2-2 and force a penalty shootout wasn’t enough for the visitors as CF Montreal opened their Leagues Cup account, winning 4-2 on penalties and securing a lead to qualify for the Round of 32.
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Bryce Duke and Mathieu Choiniere were the first half goalscorers for Montreal, while Gabriel Fernandez and Emanuel Montejano scored for Pumas.
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With both teams using a direct and attacking style of play, the game was wide open from the kick-off. With both teams sharing attack waves, Montreal seemed to find the most penetration, forcing Pumas back into their defensive shield.
It took Montreal just over 20 minutes to break through. After a long period of possession, Duke grabbed the bottom corner and placed a perfect shot from outside the penalty area just out of reach of Pumas goalkeeper Gil Alcala to give Montreal the lead.
Montreal doubled their lead and thrilled the Stade Saputo crowd after a set piece just before half-time. After winning a foul in a dangerous spot, Choiniere sent a cross into the penalty area that avoided headers, confused Alcala and found its way to the back of the net.
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At the start of the second half, Pumas started to apply pressure and look for a way back into the game. As Montreal continued to absorb the pressure and fend off the visitors’ attacks, the game became increasingly physical. Fouls and confrontations increased exponentially as the game progressed. There was also a mass confrontation after the firefight.
After pushing throughout the second half, Pumas finally managed to pull one back in the 87th minute through a spectacular volley from Fernandez. As the pressure mounted, a scramble in the Montreal penalty area led to him jumping on a loose ball in stoppage time, completing the comeback.
Under Leagues Cup rules, group stage matches that are tied after 90 minutes go straight to a penalty shootout.
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In the penalties for Pumas, Adrian Aldrete missed, Gabriel Fernandez scored, Cesar Huerta scored and Jorge Ruvalcaba was stopped.
For Montreal, Rudy Camacho scored, Choiniere scored, Gabriele Corbo scored and Lassi Lappalainen scored.
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Both teams play their last game of the group stage against DC United. Montreal will play against United on Wednesday, while Pumas will play against United on Saturday.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on July 22, 2023.
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