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Inter Toronto vs. FC Supra du Québec |
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Inter Toronto and FC Supra are separated by just one point in the standings, while the playoff line is 10 points ahead of Toronto and 9 points ahead of Supra. Once that purely numerical assessment is made, it becomes clear that this match carries particular importance in the playoff race, with the final third of the season approaching.
Sitting in the bottom half of the standings, neither team is in an ideal situation, although Inter Toronto have played only 15 matches, two fewer than Supra and most teams in the league.
Mauro Eustaquio’s men have had a great deal of difficulty winning games. Over their last 10 matches, they have won just once, in their most recent game against Halifax Wanderers (4-3).
They will also have to try to improve their offensive numbers, as they have the league’s second-worst attack (20 goals scored, just two more than Pacific FC, who have the worst attack), despite having, on paper, one of the league’s most interesting attacking arsenals.
Unfortunately, Ollie Bassett (no goals, no assists), Béni Badibanga (3 assists), Gabriel Bitar (1 goal) and Shola Jimoh (1 assist) have not necessarily produced the numbers expected of them.
Only Julian Altobelli, with 6 goals, and Tomasz Skublak, with 5, have enjoyed respectable success and will therefore be players for Supra to watch closely.
Inter Toronto nevertheless have a chance against a Supra team that has still failed to keep a clean sheet this season.
After an interesting end to July, during which they picked up wins away against Halifax Wanderers and Pacific FC, FC Supra have experienced more difficulties in recent weeks.
After losses in Ottawa and Hamilton, the Montreal-based side are now nine points behind Vancouver FC in the playoff race. Atlético Ottawa, once within reach of the Quebec side, are now 12 points ahead in the standings and firmly established in third place.
Off the field, the pressure has also increased significantly. Sporting director Mateo Cabanettes was dismissed. There is also considerable pressure on the coach to stop what is considered a negative spiral and put an end to mistakes that have become too repetitive.
The key players who made an impact at the beginning of the season also appear to be slowing down. Sean Rea has not appeared on the scoresheet in eight matches and has missed two of the last three games.
Loïc Kwemi, still among the league’s top scorers, has nevertheless gone three games without scoring. He now faces increased competition from Ibrahim Condé, whose recent performances have been particularly impressive. After scoring twice against Forge FC, Condé appears to have a card to play.
For this first visit to York Lions Stadium, Supra will, as usual one might say, have to make sure they do not collapse late in the game. So far, Supra have failed to do so. Over their last three matches, the Quebec club would have secured two draws and a win, and therefore five more points, had they not conceded in the final 15 minutes.
Behind the scenes, Supra have also experienced turmoil following the unexpected dismissal of sporting director Mateo Cabanettes. A loss against a direct competitor that is not necessarily in better form or in a better position in the standings could take on the appearance of a crisis.
News & Notes
- Suspended against Forge FC, Matisse Chrétien has served his one-match suspension and is available again.
- FC Supra du Québec announced this week the signing of 24-year-old forward Noah dos Santos from Portuguese club Rio Ave.
- Inter Toronto announced this week the signing of 18-year-old Canadian winger Ty Clarke, who came through the club’s development pathway.
Projected Starting XIs
Inter Toronto: Pavela; Cordóva, León, Sturing, Singh, Guzmán; Yeates, Bassett; Badibanga, Skublak, Altobelli
FC Supra: Milli; Auguste, Chrétien, Ferdinand, Abzi; Mlah, Biello, Rea; Kwemi, Condé, Choinière
Key Quotes
Nick Razzaghi (FC Supra head coach): As a team, we are focused on winning. We can talk about the season and the expectations surrounding the club, but ultimately, we are preparing for a 90-minute match against Toronto. Every match is important. We have to approach this game seriously, at 100%, with everyone focused on getting the three points.
