MONTREAL – Interim head coach, Christian Lattanzio, was dealt a tough hand this week when he found out ten of his players wouldn’t be available for the Montreal match due to health protocols. Despite the odds, Lattanzio believes the team fought hard but could have taken the game more to Montreal.
“I think the boys did well, I would have liked us to play more. Because I think we had the chance to play our game a little bit more. But if we didn’t, it’s my fault. It’s my fault in the sense in that maybe I wasn’t clear with the players about how we needed to play because at times I feel we went too direct. And I thought there was room to play more with the ball, in order to advance together, and to be higher up the pitch with more players. If we didn’t, obviously, it’s my mistake, because I wasn’t clear with them.
But I’m very proud of them because they put a big effort, we also had a big chance, a couple. Not many, but they also had a big chance that they missed with the header. But it's one of those games that we could have come out of here with a point.”
With a third of the squad unavailable, the Crown had to rely on some new faces against Montreal. Goalkeeper George Marks, fullback Koa Santos, and midfielder Quinn Sullivan all made their MLS debuts. While Chris Hegardt made his first appearance since returning from injury and made an immediate impact.
“We had to restructure a little bit, in terms of characteristics, we wanted to play our game. We have a good squad here, a squad which I believe in, and when the guys came off the bench, they showed they have the qualities to play at this level.
“So, I am proud of them and I am happy with the way they performed, especially for the ones who made their debuts in MLS tonight.”
While Charlotte had everything going against them heading into this match, they still made Montreal work hard for the win.
“I said to the boys that I’m proud of them because they come here under difficult circumstances and they did well. They were in the game until the end.”
