FC Supra du Québec got the job done, and Woodbridge Strikers showcased a great image for semi-professional soccer in Ontario.
That's how you could sum up this first round of the TELUS Canadian Championship between these two teams, both playing their first games in the competition.
As proof of the importance placed on this competition and their opponent, Supra coach Nick Razzaghi decided to field his strongest lineup for this first round. He explained it was "important for everyone to understand that this tournament is a big part of our history, that we have the opportunity to take it seriously and maybe do something special."
The players, therefore, had to step up, and ultimately, the expected outcome prevailed. That said, the spectators at Laval's Boréale Stadium witnessed something quite different from a one-sided match, especially during a close and hard-fought first half.
Woodbridge showed they were unfazed by the circumstances or their opponents, despite conceding a relatively early opening goal.
First threatened by an Aboubacar Sissoko shot deflected by a defender, then by an Alexandre Marcoux header, Woodbridge conceded a penalty converted by Diyaeddine Abzi, awarded after a handball in the box in the 16th minute.
Despite conceding the opening goal, the Ontario Premier League players showed no signs of panic and continued to play their game. While the home side enjoyed the lion's share of possession, Woodbridge remained disciplined in defence and ambitious in attack.
They were soon rewarded for their strong start. Joshua Nicholson attempted an initial shot from the edge of the box, but failed to hit the target. However, his teammate Jacob Spizzirri fared much better shortly after.
In the 29th minute, the midfielder unleashed a stunning strike into the far corner of Joakim Milli's net, sending the Woodbridge bench into raptures and securing a well-deserved equalizer. "A nice moment," the goalscorer acknowledged after the match, which should delight fans of spectacular goals.
However, it has become clear over the weeks that the Supra weren't the type to panic at the first sign of trouble. On the contrary, Razzaghi's men stepped up their game after the equalizer, which served as a reminder that Woodbridge hadn't come to the stadium for a leisurely stroll.
The response was swift, and Sissoko, following a long attacking sequence in the 41st minute, finally finished off the move and restored the Quebecers' lead shortly before halftime.
This goal, coming at a pivotal moment, dealt a blow to the Ontarians.
The second half proved more challenging for Woodbridge.
The home side dominated possession and, without creating numerous scoring opportunities on Dan Clarke's goal, controlled the game, quickly extinguishing Woodbridge's attacks.
Conscious of a one-goal lead, Supra used the final fifteen minutes to rotate their squad, notably giving 16-year-old Alexander Makarova his first professional minutes. Loïc Kwemi, returning from injury, also got some playing time and reminded everyone of his importance. He quickly showcased his qualities, unleashing a superb shot that the goalkeeper barely managed to parry in the 76th minute, and then repeatedly tormenting the Woodbridge defence with his power.
"These players made an impact," Razzaghi said after the match. "They are dynamic players, capable of turning a game around individually. I'm very happy with everyone who came off the bench. It shows the quality and depth of our squad, with different profiles, different styles of players, each capable of helping the team in one way or another."
With fifteen minutes remaining, Woodbridge had not ventured near the opposition's 30-meter line for quite some time, and David Choinière sealed the victory in the 78th minute by making it 3-0 for Supra. Impeccably set up by Bakary Kaboré, another substitute, Choinière found himself one-on-one with Clarke and calmly slotted the ball past him.
In their first appearance, both teams ultimately lived up to expectations. Woodbridge battled hard and put up a good fight, while Supra held their own and qualified for the next round,
For Woodbridge, there are many positive takeaways. “It was exciting for our players to play in such an important match,” said Woodbridge coach Peter Pinizzotto.
“My team played quite well. We knew Supra had a very good team. We had watched their matches and knew they had two or three good players who could hurt you. We did a good job for a good part of the match, but overall, it was a good experience for our players. We played with three under-18 players, and that gave them some experience at this level.”
For Supra, the journey continues. In the next round, they will face Atlético Ottawa.
BOX SCORE
Lineups
FC Supra: Milli; Abzi, Ferdinand, Chrétien, Auguste; Biello, Rea (Calaidjoglu 73'); Sissoko (Mlah; 61); Bey (Kaboré 61'), Marcoux (Kwemi 73'), Choinière (Makarova 88')
Woodbridge Strikers: Clarke; Hakim, Tareke, Fiore (Wilson 13'); Pinto (Marshall 82'), Stalteri, Nicholson, Spizzirri, Santillan (Khananisho 46'); Cotterell (Crocco 59'), Nkabu (Cicchilo 59')
Goals
16' - Diyaeddine Abzi (FC Supra du Québec)
29' - Jacob Spizzirri (Woodbridge Strikers)
41' - Aboubacar Sissoko (FC Supra du Québec)
78' - David Choinière (FC Supra du Québec)
Discipline
12' - Yellow: Daniel Tareke (Woodbridge Strikers)
CPLSoccer.com Player of the Match
Diyaeddine Abzi, FC Supra du Québec
Scoring the opening goal, the left-back was also once again valuable defensively and showed very encouraging signs of leadership.