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FC Supra du Québec vs. Inter Toronto |
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FC Supra are two points away from the playoffs, with just two games remaining to secure qualification. That is the simple reality heading into this match.
Since Kyt Selaidopoulos took charge, FC Supra have collected seven points from a possible nine, but their latest draw against Vancouver FC felt like a defeat. Having taken the lead in the 88th minute and seemingly done the hard part, Supra conceded once again from a set piece and remain two points behind their main rivals in the playoff race.
Set pieces have become a major weakness for the Montréal-area side, which has conceded six of its last eight goals from dead-ball situations.
One of those goals came in the most recent meeting with Inter Toronto. A poor clearance by Abou Sissoko following an Ollie Bassett free kick allowed Tomasz Skublak to score his eighth goal of the season.
The Toronto striker will be one to watch for Supra's defence, having scored twice in three meetings against Supra this season.
However, he has been outscored by his counterpart at Supra, Loïc Kwemi. The league's leading scorer, with 15 goals, has been particularly effective against Inter Toronto, netting four times in three matches against them.
How motivated will Inter Toronto be?
Individual goals are all that remain for Inter Toronto's players to brighten an otherwise disappointing end to the season.
A heavy 5-0 defeat against Forge FC also extinguished Inter Toronto's hopes of reaching the playoffs. It was a disappointing exit for a team that made ambitious moves in the transfer market at the start of the season, but ultimately a logical outcome for a side that never quite found the right chemistry and has won just one of its last six matches. That is simply not enough during the final stretch of the season to keep any hopes alive.
Following the match against Forge FC, head coach Mauro Eustáquio said he wanted his players to show pride in their final two games and finish the season on a positive note.
Will that be enough motivation? Given Pacific FC's disastrous results since their elimination was confirmed, there is reason to doubt it.
For Supra, the end of the season looks very different. With a playoff spot within reach, they simply have to win.
If they lose to Toronto while Vancouver FC defeat the Halifax Wanderers, the race will be over: Vancouver will qualify for the playoffs, leaving Supra with nothing to play for in their final match.
Conversely, a Supra victory would set up a thrilling battle for the final playoff spot on the 28th and final matchday.
So far, FC Supra have collected seven points from a possible nine against Inter Toronto. There is every reason to believe the race could go down to the final seconds of the season.
Discipline will be key, with individual performances also in focus
Discipline could prove decisive in a matchup between two of the league's most frequently booked teams. With 78 yellow cards in 26 matches, Inter Toronto lead the league in that category. Supra are next, with 61 yellow cards.
Both teams have also conceded six penalties, putting them tied for second in the league for penalties conceded, behind Pacific FC, who have given away seven.
Some players will also have their individual performances in mind heading into this match.
Beyond Kwemi and Skublak, several players have been important contributors for their respective teams and could look to improve their personal statistics. Sean Rea is one to watch for Supra, while Ariel Almagro could do the same for Inter Toronto.
Both players have recorded six assists so far. They remain some way behind league leader Tobias Warschewski of Cavalry FC, who has 10, but they could close the gap.
Their teams certainly would not complain.
NEWS & NOTES
- Keesan Ferdinand is a major doubt for Supra.
- Inter Toronto's Julian Altobelli remains questionable with his injury.
PROJECTED STARTING XIs
FC Supra: Milli; Brault-Guillard, Chrétien, Auguste, Abzi; Sissoko, Biello, Rea; Bayiha, Kwemi, Condé.
Inter Toronto: Campos; León, Sturing, López; Ferrari, Bassett, Córdova, Guzmán; Almagro, Yeates, Skublak.
KEY QUOTES
“We're still in the race, even though we're already thinking about 2027. But the guys are ready. We've had a good week of training. It's also nice to get a little rest, train and have time to look at what we need to improve. I think we're ready to put in a good performance.
“I took over 10 to 15 days ago, and I wanted to work on a few aspects of our game, including set pieces. We had three games in six days, so we couldn't work on things the way I wanted. This week, we've had more time. We've talked, we've worked, we've asked questions, and the players have asked us questions too. I think we'll be better going forward.
“But the big thing with set pieces is being ready to play for 90 or 120 minutes. The reality is that we have to be ready to play 120 minutes, because even if you survive one set piece, you have to get through the next one. For now, we're working on it. It's about concentration and managing the game right through to the final minutes. It's about knowing when to commit a foul and when not to. It's simply a matter of habit.” - FC Supra head coach Kyt Selaidopoulos
“Just because we're not in the playoffs doesn't mean there's nothing left to work on. We all have things to improve for next year, whether that's as a team or in our individual games. We want to finish this season with wins. Of course, we'll try to win and put in good performances. As a team, we've built something, and it's important to finish the year with victories and end the season on a positive note.” - Inter Toronto midfielder Luca Accettola (Inter
“If we can't be part of the party, I think we have to spoil it. If we can't be in the playoffs, we have to take away the other teams' chances of getting there. That's the mentality I want from this group. We always have to fight. We're professionals; we're men who love competition. That's why we're in this sport. I expect a strong response from the club.
“We're all fighting for something. Some players are fighting for contracts, while others are looking to bounce back. The good thing about football is that people are watching what you do and how you play right through to the end of the season. As a team, there's one thing we have to do: defend this club. This club was built to fight, to believe and to play for the love of the badge. As a club, we have an identity we want to represent, and as individuals, we have to show that we're competitive." - Inter Toronto head coach Mauro Eustaquio
