The McGill Redmen introduced their fans to the new-look Molson Stadium in style with a comfortable 4-0 win over the Sherbrooke Vert et Or Friday night. The Redmen produced a solid, if unspectacular, display to overcome a nervous opening and earn the win, taking three points.

Both sides struggled to get into a passing rhythm in the first half, but the Redmen were better able to capitalize on their opportunities. Goals in the 19th and 30th minute-both assisted by man of the match, Yohann Capolungo-effectively ended the contest. Sherbrooke showed little ambition or ability to compete with the Redmen as the game went forward. McGill, meanwhile, looked increasingly comfortable, and barring one or two lapses in concentration sent the fans home happy. They polished off the night with two insurance goals in the 83rd and 89th minutes.

The early exchanges of the match were full of tackling, as both teams struggled to gain a foothold in the midfield. Sherbrooke may have just shaded for the opening 15 minutes, but they were almost completely reliant on the hopeful long ball. McGill, on the other hand, looked to build with short, quick passing.

The Redmen started to look like the better team in the 19th minute. Seizing a loose ball just outside of the area, Yohann Capolungo unleashed a fierce 20-yard drive. Sherbrooke keeper Benjamin Marquis could only parry it straight to the onrushing Cory Marcon, who coolly punched in the chance.

Although down 1-0, Sherbrooke almost scored an equalizer minutes later. McGill keeper Jean-Lou Gosselin, a spectator to that point, flapped at a cross and was relieved to see the ball fly off of the crossbar.

A flurry of activity starting in the 26th minute ended with McGill doubling their lead. Capolungo hit the bar with another long-range effort after a well played corner. A few minutes later, a lapse in defensive concentration gave Sherbrooke another opportunity to score. A hopeful poke forward from the Sherbrooke midfield found its way too easily through the McGill backline, leading to a partial break. The Vert et Or, however, could only muster a weak shot that Gosselin easily captured.

Stung out of complacency, McGill struck two minutes later with the match’s best move. The imposing Jeremy Hurdle won the ball at midfield and wasted no time in playing it into Capolungo’s path behind the Sherbrooke defense. Capolungo outpaced the fullback before drilling the ball across the goal for freshman striker Sebastian Munro, who tapped it in.

McGill ended the first half on a high note, and continued to perform in the second. Facing an opponent content to sit in their own half and hoist long balls forward, McGill was never threatened. The backline, which was excellent throughout, easily dealt with Sherbrooke’s barrage of high balls, its only form of attack. The last two goals, both involving the impressive William Hoyle, were icing on the cake.

Even though the match was routine, the Redmen will need to be in better shape for their upcoming matches, including one with No.1-ranked Laval next week.

“I’m happy with the result,” said Head Coach David Simon. “[but]I wouldn’t say I’m happy with the performance. This team has a lot of potential and can do far better than they did, mostly in terms of being consistent. Against Laval, if we’re not consistent for 90 minutes, we’re going to have problems.”

Match star Yohann Capolungo echoed his sentiments.

“It was not the best game, the way of playing, but it’s going to get better and better. It’s a good start.”