On Thursday evening, the McGill Redmen soccer team hosted the Montreal Carabins in the annual “Pack the Pitch” game. The Redmen were looking for a win that would send them to the top of the RSEQ standings, but unfortunately, it was not meant to be. Montrealwas better throughout and defeated the Redmen 2-0. With the loss, McGill dropped to a disappointing 1-2-2 start on the year, and stretched its losing streak to four games.
Both teams came out with energy, seeking a quick goal to put pressure on the other. Each team aggressively lobbed balls over the top in an attempt to hit the runner behind the defence. However, this high-risk, high-reward style of play caused problems with positioning, as neither team was able to find a rhythm. The players were clearly frustrated, and this all came to a head in the 20th minute, when McGill’s James Allester toppled a Montreal player in a tussle for a 50-50 ball. Despite the physical move, no card was levelled against Allester, and this ferocity set the pace for the remainder of the match.
In the 34th minute, Montreal appeared poised to score, unleashing a targeted volley from inside the 18-yard box. McGill keeper Max Leblond made an excellent save, and soon after, the Redmen were on the counter. They had a near chance on goal, although they were unable to convert. Roused by this save and the ensuing chance, McGill picked up its offensive attack, and had another chance on goal in the 38th minute, when Jeremy Hurdle received a pass at the top of the 18-yard box. He faked a touch on the ball and let it run by his body, opening him up into the box where he unleashed a great strike; unfortunately, the shot was blocked by the Montreal goalkeeper. Despite the action at the goalmouths, neither side could break through completely, and the match remained scoreless at the half.
Following the intermission, Montreal came out hard, and ambitiously tried chipping Leblond from 49 yards out, only four minutes after the half. Although Leblond was beaten, the crossbar was not; the attempt ricocheted harmlessly away from the action. Finally, in the 67th minute, the Carabins scored the opening goal after receiving a free kick in a promising position. The ensuing low-slung cross took a deflection and was converted, making the score 1-0. As the game edged closer towards the finish, McGill made a change to their formation and began employing a more attack-oriented style, leaving only three men behind to defend.
This strategy proved ineffective. In the 89th minute, the Carabins attempted another chip from just inside half, as the unsuspecting McGill goalkeeper was caught off his line. Montreal buried the final tally, and the game ended 2-0 with the crestfallen Redmen looking blue.
The Redmen look to get back on track and end their losing streak on Sept. 28, when they take on Sherbrooke at Molson Stadium.
