FC Supra needed a win to put pressure on Vancouver FC in the race for fourth place, and that is exactly what they delivered at home, comfortably getting the better of Inter Toronto in a 3-0 victory.
Supra had to wait until the second half to make the difference. They were helped by the sending-off of Max Ferrari shortly before halftime for a foul as the last defender (44') and an unusual own goal from Kembo Kibato, who headed the ball into his own net (1-0, 53').
Freed by the opening goal, FC Supra quickly put the game beyond reach thanks to Sean Rea. Perfectly picked out by Biello with a lofted through ball, Rea controlled it superbly before beating Pavela with a low, angled shot (2-0, 63').
In control as Inter Toronto's hopes faded, Supra added a third goal late in the game through Noah Santos, who had come off the bench just a few minutes earlier (3-0, 87').
However, things were not entirely straightforward for Supra, who relied on a decisive performance from Joakim Milli in the first half. After a superb combination with Tomasz Skublak, Kembo Kibato found himself one-on-one with Joakim Milli, but the goalkeeper came off his line perfectly and produced an excellent save. It proved to be a crucial intervention, with the score still 0-0 at the time.
In the first half, FC Supra created several good chances and took full advantage of the uncertainty in the league's worst defence. However, neither Sean Rea, Zachary Brault-Guillard nor Ibrahim Condé could find the finishing touch needed to put the Montréal side ahead.
FC Supra did not panic, even when Kibato came close to opening the scoring.
"We've shown in recent games that we've learned from our mistakes, and now we know how to win games. We're in the playoff picture," Sean Rea said after the match.
Max Ferrari's red card undoubtedly boosted Supra's chances and forced Kibato to move into defence, indirectly leading to the opening goal.
"The guys did what they had to do," head coach Kyt Selaidopoulos said matter-of-factly. "There's one game left and anything can happen. We have to get it into our heads that we're going to be playing in November."
FC Supra have a major test awaiting them on the final matchday. They will travel to Halifax, while their now only remaining rival, Vancouver FC, will face Cavalry. The final playoff spot will be contested until the very last second of the season!
Box Score
Starting XI
FC Supra: Milli; Brault-Guillard, Chrétien, Auguste, Abzi; Biello, Sissoko (Mlah, 67'), Rea; Kwemi, Choinière (Elkalkouli, 67'), Condé (Santos, 79')
Inter Toronto: Pavela; Ferrari, Singh, Leon, Lopez; Accettola, Yeates; Kibato, Badibanga (Clarke, 67'), Peraza (Jimoh, 54'); Skublak
Goals
53' - Kembo Kibato (Own Goal) (FC Supra)
62' - Sean Rea (FC Supra)
87' - Noah Santos (FC Supra)
Cards
24' - Yellow: Tomasz Skublak (Inter Toronto)
44' - Red: Max Ferrari (Inter Toronto)
45+1' - Yellow: Sean Rea (FC Supra)
CPLSoccer.com Player of the Match
Alessandro Biello (FC Supra)
Along with providing the assist for Sean Rea's goal, Alessandro Biello was outstanding defensively, winning back numerous balls and displaying an intensity that proved invaluable to his team.
Next Match
FC Supra travel to Halifax on October 25 at 4 p.m. ET.
Inter Toronto host Atlético Ottawa on October 25 at 4 p.m. ET.