Report: Outremont 2, Royals 1

Royals suffer harsh defeat to Outremont in Montreal
April 28, 2007

Ottawa Royals went down to a controversial defeat against one of Quebec’s leading sides in the teams third pre-season friendly under the floodlights at CEPSUM, Montreal University, Saturday.

Beaten 2-1 in persistent rain, the Royals gave a good account of themselves, fighting hard in a chippy encounter that was not assisted by some appalling refereeing decisions.

Ottawa set out a 3-5-2 formation, with trialist Steve Paiano in nets, and a back three of Roberto Gutierrez, Alic Edgar and Frank Zegers.

Ottawa took time to settle to the requirements of the three-man back line, but the competitive nature of the team meant it was not overwhelmed by the speed and movement off the ball of Outremont.

Ottawa sat deep and hit the Quebec team on the counter, with Ryan Devereaux and Jeff Dennis combining well to create a couple of decent chances.

Defensively. Paiano showed well, and the more the team grew accustomed to playing a new role, the less Outremont threatened.

At half time, the game was still scoreless – and Ottawa looked the more likely team to open its account.

Instead, on 51 minutes, Outremont took the lead, thanks to a controversial penalty, which was awarded after the referee had played advantage to the visitors, following an awful foul on Gutierrez.

Ottawa continued to grow in stature and on 57 minutes, following a period of sustained pressure, scored a well-deserved equalizer through Dom Rochon.

Rochon was at the centre of an industrious and tenacious midfield, comprising him, James MacMillan and Steve Kowlessar, and had moved upfield to support an attack on the left flank, led by substitute Alan Farant and Ryan Devereaux. Ottawa set itself up for a number of shots, all of which were blocked, before the ball fell to Rochon on the edge of the area. Rochon turned inside before curling the ball expertly to the keeper’s right into the roof of the net.

Two minutes later, Outremont took the lead again. The midfield lost shape and focus and allowed a shot from 30 yards that floated and deceived Paiano.

Ottawa continued to press the home team back into its own half and dealt well with any counter attacks.

Compounding the penalty fiasco, the referee blew for full time seven minutes early, adding timekeeping to his impressing resume of incompetence.

Ottawa can be pleased with its outing. Despite its defeat, it answered numerous questions of character and fitness – and is setting itself up nicely for the 2007 season.

Statistics

Man of the Match: Dennis – 3 points; Gutierrez – 2 points; Viscosi – 1 point.

Ottawa Royals
Paiano; R. Gutierrez, Edgar (Morgan, 73), Zegers; Boyle (Mapendere, 49), MacMillan, Kowlessar, Rochon, Viscosi (Farant, 49); Dennis (Ali Devereaux), Ryan Devereaux
Substitutes: A. Devereaux, Mapendere, Morgan, Farant, Azerizghi

Goal: Rochon, 57

Pre-season Tally:
Goals: Devereaux, Rochon 2; Dennis, MacMillan, Viscosi 1
Assists: Deganutti 2, Mapendere 2; Devereaux, Koutras 1