The dream of a CF Montréal vs. FC Supra final is very much alive

Maxime Truman
The dream of a CF Montréal vs. FC Supra final is very much alive
Credit: FC Supra du Québec

Say yes to things you'd usually say no to. That's a phrase I've made part of my life in 2021.

Three years ago, I found myself at a reggaeton concert one Sunday night at Place Bell… even though I don't like reggaeton. A friend had an extra ticket.

Believe it or not, I ended 2023 with a Don Omar song at the top of my Apple Music playlist.

Last Saturday, the FC Supra communications manager asked me if I'd be in Ottawa for Tuesday's rematch against Atletico Ottawa. I was about to say no, but I said yes instead.

So I called Nilton Jorge and Hans Najeme… and they also said yes. The result: we made the round trip to Ottawa yesterday, after an already busy day (and, in my case, a wake-up call way too early this morning).

A one-sided game, but…

The Supra completely dominated Atletico in front of the Ottawa fans, but two lapses by Diyaedinne Abzi in the penalty area allowed Ottawa to tie the score (3–3). Fortunately, the Supra had won the first leg 3–1 and thus advanced to the semifinals of the Canadian Championship.

On one side, we'll see a two-leg series between the Forge and the Supra, and on the other, a matchup between the Whitecaps and CF Montréal. Montreal soccer fans are all dreaming of a grand final between CF Montréal and FC Supra. And so are the Supra players!

Is CF Montréal dreaming of a final like that, too? I'm going to ask some people at the club today…

Imagine a crowd at Stade Saputo or Stade Boréale cheering on the two professional men's teams from Quebec. Yes, CF Montréal theoretically has a much stronger roster than the Supra, but it's also ranked 28th (out of 30) in the MLS this season. And it still has gaps to fill in its roster.

The Supra, on the other hand, plays with confidence, boldness, and flair. And it has managed to win over many fans who have turned their backs on Saputo Stadium.

What's more, people tend to root for the underdog in this kind of match.

Let's hope the Supra can defeat the powerful Forge and that Alexis Sanchez helps his new club get the better of the Whitecaps, Canada's defending champions. That would be HUGE for Quebec soccer!

Sean Rea and Loïc Kwemi: The Next Chapter

This isn't Sean Rea and Loïc Kwemi's first time in the CPL. Yet, this is the first time we've seen them dominate the Canadian Premier League to this extent.

Rea had some good moments in Winnipeg before getting his chance in MLS, but he wasn't as well-rounded as he is today. Rea is probably the best player in the entire CPL right now.

He scores, he dribbles, he passes, he defends… he's ready for the next step.

As for Kwemi, he's tied with Ballou Tabla for the league lead in goals (8 each). And he's done all this despite missing a few games due to a leg injury…

Check out this clip—from yesterday's game—to see just how good these guys are:

Kwemi told me yesterday after the game that he was having fun and that the freedom Nick Razzaghi gives him allows him to play at his best.

Rea is 24 and Kwemi is 29.

At 24, you still have dreams and aspirations of playing at the highest level. That's the case for Sean Rea.

I learned a few days ago that European teams and at least one MLS team had recently expressed interest in Supra's #10. Rea and Supra agreed that the best course of action was to finish the season and then evaluate everything over the winter.

No, CF Montréal is not the MLS team that has shown interest in Sean Rea (a former Impact player), according to my sources. Personally, I find it hard to imagine CF Montréal paying a transfer fee to sign a player they let go not too long ago (and who was available on a free transfer just a few months ago).

Furthermore, I'm convinced that Rea needs a less rigid tactical system to perform well.

As for Kwemi, if I were his agent, I'd suggest he stay put.

He's been searching for a long time to find the perfect fit for his style of play. And he's found it in Laval. With him nearing 30, I'd tend to suggest he continue what he's started with the Supra.

Unless, of course, he has the opportunity to earn four times his current salary elsewhere!

Finally, FC Supra will be in action this Sunday at noon at Stade Boréale. If you don't have any plans for Sunday yet, don't miss out on the fun.

CF Montréal on Saturday night, then FC Supra on Sunday at noon. I've just booked your weekend.

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