Why Cardiff Metropolitan can hold their heads up after heroic display against Progrès
Cardiff Metropolitan’s run in the Europa League came to an end, but the Archers can be proud of their display.
The Students won on the night, but Mayron De Almeida’s second goal of the tie put Progrès Niederkorn into the next round of the competition.
Jordan Lam’s early goal levelled the tie and Dylan Rees had Met dreaming, but it wasn’t to be for the plucky students.
Progrès were rattled
The Luxembourg outfit were frustrated at times at how their opponents were getting in their faces.
Met may have lost the tie, but you have to credit how they managed this leg. They had a good high press and stayed to their positions.
They weren’t afraid to get physical and although there were a few moments where a possible penalty could have been given, Met defended well up until the goal.
Each side had two yellow cards, but Met were the more composed of the two.
Good game management
Despite having less overall shots and less possession, Met deservedly won the game this evening.
They took their chances when presented to them and were a good value for their victory.
Sebastian Flauss’ heroics denies them
Just when Met thought the tie had alluded them, they found something within themselves to have one last go at it.
Progres goalkeeper Sebastian Flauss had other ideas though. He made two fine saves to deny Kyle McCarthy in stoppage time.
They did have to play second fiddle in the attacking department at times, but Met did look like they could cause problems.
Adam Roscrow’s dream move to AFC Wimbledon was untimely, given he was the main source of goals last season, but this performance perhaps gave us an indication of Met next season.
They may not have an out and out goalscorer next campaign, but they’ll be able to share the goals around, rather than relying on one forward.
Europe is different to the Welsh Premier League but to score two goals against a full-time professional outfit is a superb feat.
It’s just the start
After three years of chasing the European dream, Met have experienced it and will want more now.
They’ve been floating around the top six and have never looked like they’ve not belonged in the Welsh Premier League.
They’ll be certain to be challenging for a European spot once more this season.
Could that performance prompt interest in players?
We’ve already seen Adam Roscrow move to the professional game and on this showing, more Met players could be in the market for a route into pro football.
Dylan Rees, who spoke of his desire to return to full-time football after the completion of his studies, put in a composed performance and scored from the spot.
Other than Mayron De Almeida’s strike, the Met defence put in a strong performance.
(Featured Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
