Hard-Fought Draw: Monaco U19s Hold St. Etienne to 1-1 Deadlock
A tough challenge awaited AS Monaco’s U19 team this last Sunday. Facing AS Saint-Etienne, Frédéric Barilaro’s men looked for a favourable result at home.
The Greens showed attacking intent from the start, but they were denied twice by Yanis Benchaouch in the first fifteen minutes (2nd and 12th). However, they found the breakthrough from the penalty spot, courtesy of St. Etienne captain Jules Mouton (18th, 1-0), despite the good choice by the Monaco goalkeeper. Yet, this conceded goal didn’t deter the Moroccan U20 international who continued his stellar performance with several decisive saves.
After numerous St. Etienne attacks, AS Monaco also posed danger through Dan Sinaté, who was denied by the last line of defense (40th). It was ultimately Ilane Touré who equalized with a volley from a superb cross by Joan Tincres, who had moved to the left flank (44th)!
Equal at Half-Time
Both teams went into halftime with the score level, then the match resumed with a somewhat subdued pace where both sides battled for midfield control. It took until the hour mark to see some chances, first with a chip from Aladji Bamba to Joan Tincres, whose shot was saved by the St. Etienne goalkeeper (70th). Then Lorenzo Carvalho was denied by the opposing defense after a good build-up by the Sylla-Tincres duo (73rd).
AS Monaco pushed to find the breakthrough, especially with fresh legs from the substitutes. But Soufian Awragh and Malick Sylla just couldn’t find the net. The former thought he had found the opener from a free-kick, but his shot went just above the crossbar.
The score remained unchanged at the final whistle. Trailing early in the game, the Red and Whites had eventually managed to secure a valuable point towards the end of the championship (1-1).
Monaco’s St. Etienne counterparts, were second in Group D before kick-off. A good performance therefore from the Red and Whites by managing to find that breakthrough in the first half to eventually share points with the Greens.
Both teams left with a hard-earned point, a fair result considering the quality of play and the level offered by both teams. Next rendezvous at Gazélec’s field, next weekend (Saturday 13, 2 PM).
