TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Que – Midfielder
Félix Bouchard of l'Assomption, Que., struck early as the UQTR Patriotes narrowly escaped with a 1-0 victory over a severely depleted McGill lineup in men's university soccer, Friday.
Bouchard scored less than 120 seconds after the opening whistle to stun McGill. The fifth-year physical education major leads UQTR with seven goals in 10 games.
"We played hard but not good enough to score," said head coach
Marc Mounicot, who had to field a lineup without three starters. Forwards
Dalin Saheb,
Michael Makepeace and
Florian Betelli all served automatic one-game suspensions. Saheb and Betelli received red cards in last week's 3-2 loss to Montreal while Makepeace was out with a yellow card accumulation. The trio has combined for nearly 50 per cent of McGill's goals this season (8/17).
McGill was outshot 13-7 and despite conceding the early goal, goalkeeper
Christopher Cinelli-Faia gave his side every opportunity to steal a point, making an impressive 12 saves in a losing cause. At the opposite end of the pitch,
Félix Clapin-Girard made seven saves to earn his third shutout of the season.
Despite what could arguably be described as a moral victory for fifth-place McGill (3-5-2), they really needed the win against the second-place Pats (8-2), especially considering that they had won the first meeting with UQT, 3-2 earlier this season. With two games remaining, McGill's playoff hopes are still alive but barely. They sit tied with UQAM (3-6-2), just two points behind fourth-place Concordia for the final playoff spot in the seven-team RSEQ conference.
McGill could jump back into playoff contention when they visit last-place Sherbrooke (0-9-1), on Oct. 18. They will conclude the regular season by hosting third-place Laval (4-4-2) on Oct. 20. Concordia (3-3-4) hosts division-leading Montreal (9-1-1) on Oct. 18 and plays at UQTR on Oct. 20.
The Pats (8-2-0) hold a comfortable 10-point cushion against third-place Laval (4-4-2) and travels to Quebec City on Oct. 18 to face the Rouge et Or.
2019 RSEQ MEN'S UNIVERSITY SOCCER STANDINGS
