Match Analysis
Some matches are won through discipline. That was the kind of game FC Supra experienced in British Columbia, leaving Langford with three points after a contest in which their opponents finished with nine men (final score: 2-1).
With this latest setback, Pacific FC remain rooted to the bottom of the standings and are still searching for their first win of the season. FC Supra, meanwhile, move to within just three points of the playoff places and conclude a week of three road matches with six points out of nine.
“Coming here after three matches in seven days, with the same group of guys, and being able to get a result, it wasn’t easy,” admitted Supra head coach Nick Razzaghi. “We played an excellent match against Cavalry, but you have to learn how to win. That’s the hardest thing. You can’t underestimate the value of finding a way to win. We have to highlight the positives and keep working on our shortcomings.”
For his first home match in charge, Pacific FC’s new head coach made several tactical changes, deploying a back three, pushing Josh Heard into midfield, and starting four attack-minded players: Toualy, Kratt, Bustos and Diaz.
Supra, meanwhile, stuck to their usual approach despite making changes to the starting lineup from the match against Cavalry. Kwemi returned to lead the attack, while Boughanmi and Sissoko were tasked with controlling midfield.
Despite an opening spell in which they had to deal with several dangerous incursions, particularly thanks to Bayiha’s lively play down the right side, Pacific FC found the breakthrough quickly to put themselves in an ideal position.
Marco Bustos took advantage of loose marking and a passive defence to beat Joakim Milli with a low strike from the edge of the penalty area (1-0; 20').
Well organized and full of attacking intent, Pacific nearly doubled their lead moments later, again through Bustos, but Milli produced a fingertip save to push the effort behind for a corner (21').
Pacific controlled proceedings throughout much of the first half and created the better chances, but they were punished before halftime as the match took a dramatic turn.
After spending several minutes under pressure, Supra were awarded a penalty when Josh Heard, beaten for pace by Abzi, brought him down inside the box. Rather than overturning the penalty, the video review instead prompted the referee to show Heard a straight red card.
Kwemi initially converted the penalty on the rebound, but was ordered to retake it after several players from both teams entered the penalty area before the kick. His second attempt made no mistake, sending Melvin the wrong way (1-1; 45+3').
Reduced to 10 men, Pacific switched back to a four-man defence, with Diaz making way for Kadin Chung. At the other end, Supra were forced into a change shortly before halftime when Abou Sissoko, who had picked up a thigh injury, was replaced by Safwane Mlah.
Despite being down a man, Pacific FC continued to play without fear. Were it not for an outstanding Joakim Milli, who made a spectacular save to deny Marco Bustos’ low drive, the British Columbia side would have regained the lead early in the second half (53').
Yann Toualy, one of Pacific’s brightest performers, was unlucky soon afterwards, first failing to keep his back-post volley on target (57'), then rattling the crossbar with a powerful effort (63').
Although they were second best and unable to impose an ambitious style of play, Supra deserved credit for remaining composed.
Sean Rea and Loïc Kwemi both tried to create opportunities, testing Melvin with a long-range effort (62') before Kwemi fired another attempt wide of the target (78').
Pacific FC, however, lost their composure, particularly Marco Bustos, who was sent off after striking Matisse Chrétien with 10 minutes remaining.
Playing with a two-man advantage, Supra wasted little time making it count. Omar Elkalkouli delivered a cross from the left, and Safwane Mlah headed home the winner (2-1; 85').
Sean Melvin prevented the scoreline from becoming more lopsided by denying Mlah in stoppage time, but the damage had already been done for Pacific FC.
Despite a strong overall performance, Terry Dunfield’s side were undone by their lack of discipline, while FC Supra remained focused and professional to secure all three points.
There were, however, encouraging signs for Terry Dunfield, who chose to focus on the positives after the match.
“This team has a lot of character, he said, and also a lot of quality. I think after our goal we were in a really good place, the defence was very well organized. Then all of a sudden the game changed with ten men, but what’s encouraging is that the players never gave up.”
For Supra, attention now turns to recovery after three road matches in a short span, travelling from one coast of the country to the other.
“We’re going to take whatever rest we can,” explained Nick Razzaghi. “At the same time, we’re going to work, because we’re fortunate to have a full week ahead of us. There are very few weeks where we actually get to train. We have to prepare for the match against Cavalry, and then three days later the Canadian Championship. There are big matches coming up, so we need to be ready for them and continue improving our play.”
Statistics
Starting XIs
Pacific FC: Melvin; Konincks, Belluz, Greco-Taylor (Lajeunesse 73'), Heard, Gomulka, Juhmi, Toualy; Kratt (Hundal 72'), Bustos, Diaz (Chung 45+3')
FC Supra: Milli; Abzi, Ferdinand, Chrétien, Auguste; Boughanmi (Biello 63'), Sissoko (Mlah 45'), Rea (Deslande 88'); Choinière (Condé 63'), Bayiha (Elkalkouli 63'), Kwemi
Goals
- Bustos (Pacific FC) – 20'
- Kwemi (FC Supra) – 45+3' (pen.)
- Mlah (FC Supra) – 85'
Cards
- Josh Heard – Red card – 42'
- Charles Auguste – Yellow card – 67'
- Marco Bustos – Red card – 80'
- Keesan Ferdinand – Yellow card – 80'
- Joshua Belluz – Yellow card – 88'
CPLSoccer.com Player of the Match
Joakim Milli – FC Supra
Without him, the result would almost certainly have been different. The FC Supra goalkeeper made the crucial saves to keep his side in the game before they eventually found the winning goal.
Next Match
Pacific FC host Inter Toronto on August 8 at 2 p.m. PT | 5 p.m. ET.
FC Supra host Cavalry FC on August 8 at 2 p.m. ET.
For the full broadcast schedule, visit cplsoccer.com/watch.