The Loire Valley soccer celebration, and qualification!

Context

Currently second in Ligue 2 BKT, Les Verts are out for a round of the Coupe! Specifically, the eighth round, which sees them host the competition's underdog: US Ecotay Moingt, a neighboring club and supporter, for one of those matches where the magic of the Coupe de France enchants amateurs and professionals alike.

Starting XI

As in the previous round, Brice Maubleu will be in goal for Les Verts. In front of a classic defense for Les Verts, Eirik Horneland, Paul Eymard, Igor Miladinovic, and Nadir El Jamali will have the opportunity to show their skills in midfield, as will Ben Old, who is making a name for himself alongside Irvin Cardona and Augustine Boakye.

Game scenario

With more than 26,000 fans, all 100% loyal to the Loire region, the match kicked off in a warm atmosphere, with both teams cheered on and applauded by the crowd. Les Verts established their dominance from the opening minutes, with Ben Old scoring the first goal (1-0, 11th minute), quickly followed by Igor Mliadinovic (2-0, 13th minute) after a one-two with Irvin Cardona. As the half-hour mark approached, Augustine Boakye curled the ball perfectly after a lovely piece of control, allowing ASSE to pull away on the scoreboard (3-0, 26'). After being denied twice by Odin (30th), Ben Old vented his frustration by converting a pass from Irvin Cardona (4-0, 31st). The same Irvin Cardona provided two more goals, first to Joao Ferreira (5-0, 34') and then to Nadir El Jamali (6-0, 40'), before Ben Old extended the lead (7-0, 41') before the break.

At half-time, Eirik Horneland took off Joao Ferreira, Mickaël Nadé, Max Bernauer, Irvin Cardona, and Augustine Boakye and brought on Strahinja Stojkovic, Kevin Pedro, Dennis Appiah, Luan Gadegbeku, and Yvann Maçon. Still in control, Saint-Étienne managed the game and added an eighth goal by Ben Old (8-0, 60') and then a ninth by Paul Eymard (9-0, 67'). Ecotay's moment of glory came courtesy of Jules Vial, who scored a divine free kick (9-1, 70') and celebrated in “panther” style with the support of the 26,801 Loire fans gathered at Geoffroy-Guichard. Les Verts remained focused, however, with Nadir El Jamali (10-1, 72') adding another goal before a USEM defender unfortunately found the back of his own net (11-1, 90'). 

Coming next

Having qualified for the round of 32 at the expense of their neighbors, Les Verts will find out who their next opponent is on Monday at 7 p.m. But before thinking about the weekend of December 19 and 20, they will first travel to Marcel-Tribut on Saturday to face Dunkerque (8 p.m.) before hosting SC Bastia on Saturday, December 13, at Geoffroy-Guichard (8 p.m.).