Les Vertes lose to Thonon

Context

In search of their first win and following last weekend's defeat to Marseille at Geoffroy-Guichard, Les Vertes are setting their sights on the second day of the LFFP Cup, after losing to Nice on the first day. On today's agenda: a trip to Thonon Évian Grand Genève, 10th in the Second League.

Starting XI

Sébastien Joseph has made changes to his usual 4-3-3 formation compared to last weekend. Emma Templier replaces Alice Pinguet in goal, as she did in the first cup match. The back line, from left to right, consists of Heloïse Mansuy, Debnorah Bien-Aimé, usually number 6, who drops back a notch today, Aleksandra Gajic, and Chloé Tapia. In front of them, a three-man midfield consisting of Faustine Bataillard, Sarah Cambot, and Laura Hermann, whose task is to best serve the two-wing attack, Adèle Connesson on the left, Victoria Faure on the right, and a single striker, Sofie Hornemann.

Game scenario

The game started at a moderate pace with possession shared between the two teams. Neither side looked particularly dangerous, and Hornemann and Connesson's few chances failed to trouble Rousseeu, the opposing goalkeeper. It took several consecutive sequences for Les Vertes to force an error from their opponents: a handball in the box that the referee took a while to call, but which Hermann quickly converted into a goal (1-0, 22'). Despite opening the scoring and the match remaining evenly balanced, Les Vertes were punished, first in the 30th minute (1-1) and then in the 40th minute (1-2), and went into the break trailing.

After the break, Sébastien Joseph brought on Nadjma Ali Nadjim, whose suspension had been reduced and was now over, and Marion Romanelli in an attempt to turn the tide. It worked, as a low shot from Adèle Connesson at the edge of the box hit the post, sending the ball into Rousseeu's goal and giving the team hope (2-2, 49th). But it was short-lived, as Belmiliani crucified Emma Templier and Les Vertes right after the kickoff (2-3, 50th). Saint-Étienne pushed hard in the last 30 minutes. Although they seemed more aggressive, the opposing goalkeeper prevented Sébastien Joseph's players from equalizing.

Coming next 

Certain to be eliminated from this new competition, Saint-Étienne will play their final LFFP Cup match in Grenoble on Saturday, November 15, at 3 p.m. In the league, Les Vertes will travel to Stade Océane to face Le Havre on Friday, October 17, at 9 p.m.