2025-07-12, 01:20 PM - Word count:
Montreal United vs AS Paris 
4-0Guys, galls and non-binary palls of the SSL, I apologize for my lack of writing. The start of the seasons has been hectic and I've also recently been on vacation. With that out of the way now, I'll be able to write as much as I intended from the start. With all that being said, let's dive into the start of the season and Montreal's first match day.
Montreal's first game of the season was at home against the champions Paris. Not an easy match at all and one of the rare games where Montreal might not be seen as a favorite. Montreal rocked up to the game with something rarely seen in the SSL, a traditional 4-4-2. Clarke and D. Skovgaard as the LB and RB, Xavier and King as the two CD, Power and Millwall in the middle as the 6 and 8, Takahashi as a natural left winger and A. Skovgaard as the inverted winger and finally Predrag and Sinclair as the pair up top with Muuno keeping the net safe. On the bench were the rookies Maeddisen and Mizukana. Perhaps they were trying to surprise their opponents, or maybe they reverted to an older and more familiar style of play?
On the other side of the pitch, Paris greeted them in a asymmetrical 4-3-3. McTendie was the keeper while the back four were Lizard, McFootcakes, Fensterhousen and Aoi. The middle three were Sowerwine, Wince and Okoro. Finally, the three up top were Dybala, Bradford and Belmont. A unique formation for sure. Later during the press conference, players would confess that because of a mix up between the assistant and main coach, a different tactical plan was put in play.
First half:
9th minute
The starting minutes were quiet but the first to change the score would be Montreal's Takeda Takahashi. In the 9th minute, Dina Skovgaard would deliver a cross from a corner to just outside the box. Takeda would then perfectly volley the ball into the net. A beautiful way to start the season.
24th minute
There were a few more chances for Montreal but nothing threatening. That was, until a poor pass from Paris was intercepted by Montreal and a fast counter attack would lead to Cade Power threading a through ball to Maggie Sinclair. All that was left was to rifle it into the net and double the lead.
36th minute
The half would quiet down again with passes being mostly exchanged in the midfield. However, a series of well placed passes would lead to Predrag finding himself in a dangerous position in the box. With no way to secure the ball, Fensterhausen would commit a reckless foul, dragging the Serb down. Predrag would then give the ball to Xavier, last season's penalty taker, and he'd calmly sink it in past McTendie.
Second half:
No substitutions would be made.
54th minute
Paris would have a few chances in the second half, a better showing than the first but it wouldn't mean much in the end. The last goal of the match would come from a throw in. Clarke threw the ball to Takahashi who immediately passed it back. Clarke then passed to an unmarked Predrag in the center. Predrag would take a touch to settle the ball then he would smash it into the net from outside the box. Securing the final score, 4-0.
91st minute
Predrag would try to score one last goal to put the final nail in the coffin. Quite literally in the last seconds of the game. But it was rightfully called offside, and besides that, the game was long over by that point.
Final review:
An unexpected dominant victory against the current Minor league champions and perhaps a return to form for Montreal. Paris could rightfully blame the tactical mistake for their downfall but it would also be fair to say that the Montreal players just played some damn good football.
Player of the match: Matias Xavier
Great defensive performance from the Central Defender. Good showing in the air as well as a calm penalty kick. All in all, exactly what you want from your defender.
Match to forget: Chicken McTendie
A poor showing for the Keeper's first game. Faced five shots on goal and only saved one. Granted, in his defense, those were some damn good shots.
Some closing thoughts from me. I'm hoping to be able to write down several of these reviews quickly so that soon I'll be able to report on recent games. Digging through the older games has been interesting, even if the season isn't even half way done. It's also odd to see the tactical work put into play when I get to look back at it. Hoping to hear some good feedback from my readers as usually. Until next time!
This post was written by Predrag Dobrić and sponsored by Montreal United.
![[Image: wjZShPO.png]](https://i.imgur.com/wjZShPO.png)
