Football: US Orléans hosts Le Mans to continue the adventure in the Women’s French Cup

Maintaining the Women’s Second League obviously remains the main objective of US Orléans this season. But an adventure in the Coupe de France would not displease Régis Mohar’s players. This requires a big performance, this Sunday January 12 (2:30 p.m.) on the synthetic pitch at La Source, against Le Mans (D2).

After two warm-up rounds in the north with big victories over Beuvry (0-7) and Dunkirk (2-9), the Orléanaises will face a team from Sarthoise in great shape. With the most airtight defense in the division, it occupies the runner-up position in the Second League, two points behind Lens, the leader, with a game in hand.

It is also boosted by Maëva Salomon and Sana Guermazi who won the titles of best player of the month in the Second League in September, October and November.

Sans Elisa Cardoso

Even if it will be deprived of Élisa Cardoso, affected in the ankle, US Orléans will also present arguments, in particular the great resistance offered during the championship match between the two teams and a narrow defeat (0-1) on a goal registered at the very end of the meeting.

“We proved that we could put them in difficulty,” says Mathias Bastos, USO assistant coach. “It’s up to us to improve what worked well and correct our little mistakes.”

A new confidence

The USO can also rely on a brand new confidence. “We ended the year with three victories (two in the Cup and one in Nice, in the championship, 0-2). We must maintain this dynamic to properly prepare for the next championship against Metz,” indicates the Orléans technician.

“Since the restart, we have really emphasized the desire and a competitive mindset among the girls.” In the Coupe de France, that often makes the difference…

Sunday January 12, 2:30 p.m., La Source stadium, synthetic pitch.