MIAMI, Florida – In the history of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League, there have been many memorable knockout round series. Yet perhaps the most thrilling of them all came in the first edition in 2008-09 when USL First Division side Montreal Impact squared off with Liga MX heavyweights Santos Laguna in the quarterfinals.
The Mexican side would win the series 5-4 on aggregate in dramatic fashion with two goals in second half stoppage time in the second leg in Mexico, but one of the lasting images from those 180 minutes of football was the superb performance of Montreal FW Eduardo Sebrango, who scored both Montreal goals in the 2-0 first leg win in Montreal, followed by the second Montreal score in the 5-2 second leg defeat.
When he looks back on that series in the spring of 2009, Sebrango recalls it with fondness, despite it ending in disappointment.
“It was a special moment and a special memory. It was something that marked my career in a good way. It was a learning experience, too, especially the second game. We all know what happened. But it was something that allowed me to have a connection with the fan base here,” said Sebrango in an exclusive interview with Concacaf.com.
“When I look back on it now, I think Santos Laguna took us lightly, especially in the first game. I’m sure they didn’t even look at videos. They probably thought that it was an easy walk in the park, so I think that’s why we did well against a club with more experience and bigger players,” added Sebrango.
Montreal had not played since that previous October and were facing a Santos side that was nearly seven weeks into their domestic season. Still, the roster continuity that Montreal had in place from seasons past made for an exciting atmosphere in the city prior to the first leg.
Eduardo Sebrango #12 in the team picture on March 5, 2009.
“That was a group that was together for a long time, so I think it was more the excitement of having the opportunity to play such a big game. I remember in the weeks before the game, it was crazy how many people were buying tickets. We knew it was going to be a big crowd,” said Sebrango.
The former Cuba international had played previously with Montreal until 2005 and was marking his return to the club after four years. But even in Sebrango’s wildest dreams he could not envision a better debut in front of 55,000-plus fans at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.
“I remember that it was a crazy atmosphere, especially after scoring the goals. It was electric. Everything was amazing. Scoring early got people going. The celebration of the first goal is a little blurry, but the second one I really enjoyed because I jumped over the barrier and celebrated. Even now when I watch it, I still get goose bumps,” said Sebrango.
Montreal were up against a talented Santos team that featured the likes of former Mexico GK Oswaldo Sanchez, late Ecuadorian striker Christian Benitez and young Colombian playmaker Darwin Quintero.
It was Quintero who proved decisive in the final moments when he scored the final two goals to deliver the series win for Santos. Sebrango can only shrug his shoulders and smile at how an important lesson was learned on that day.
“When I look back, a lot of things happened. It happened so quick; it was overwhelming. There was a substitute who came on and I remember seeing his eyes were big and wide open. They were pressing us and it was overwhelming, but it was an experience that now that I’m coaching, I learned so much from it. The game is not over until it is over. This is why you never stop playing until the final whistle.
“For sure we can look back on that series with pride. We had a really good first half in Mexico. We were feeling really good up 2-1. They were good goals, we were playing well, but it was crazy what happened after,” said Sebrango.
Nearly 13 years later, the two sides will meet again in the SCCL, this time in the Round of 16 with CF Montreal hosting the second leg in the Olympic Stadium. Sebrango, who currently coaches CF Montreal’s reserve side, believes that Head Coach Wilfried Nancy has assembled a squad that can bring victory to the Quebec club this time around.
“As a fan, I really liked what the club did last year with Wilfried, the style of play, the culture. I would say to Santos Laguna to be ready, because I like what happened last year. Wilfried is a good coach. I think we have experienced players on the team. They’re not intimidated. I think it’s going to be different, more equal between the two teams and I expect Montreal to go through. They finished the season well, even though they didn’t qualify for the playoffs. People are excited for Wilfried and the players and as a fan, I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes,” concluded Sebrango.
