ES Thaon, the last remaining club from Lorraine, is gearing up for one of its most significant matches as they prepare to face the Ligue 1 outfit, RC Strasbourg, in the 16th finals of the Coupe de France. The draw for this knockout round took place on December 22, 2024, at the auditorium of the Arche Bernadette, where excitement filled the air as supporters and players alike gathered.
Initially hoping to land one of the giants of French football like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the club expressed both disappointment and excitement as they found themselves matched against another respected team. Coach Romain Chouleur reflected on the prospect, stating, "We are happy because it’s a big club coming to our place. We know they will come with many supporters too. It will be a nice celebration. We had a one-in-three chance of facing PSG, it’s frustrating but we are very happy with this match-up." These sentiments encapsulate the mixed feelings of hope and reality felt by fans and players.
ES Thaon earned their place against Strasbourg by defeating Amiens SC, another Ligue 2 team, with a score of 2-1 after trailing at half-time. Such resilience is indicative of their potential for the upcoming clash. The match is slated to take place sometime between January 14 and 16, 2025, likely at the Colombière stadium in Épinal, which adds local flavor to the event.
Chouleur emphasized the significance of the upcoming battle, referring to it as "a big match and sort of derby of the Grand Est." He also acknowledged the challenges posed by Strasbourg's familiarity with their National 3 team, stating, "They will not have trouble studying us since their reserve plays in our group. We beat them 2-1 previously at their ground. It’s going to be a grand moment for the club, with plenty of fans expected, creating lively atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Clasadonte, the president of ES Thaon, shared similar sentiments, highlighting the pride of representing Lorraine. "It’s an honor to be the last representative of Lorraine. Strasbourg has a fabulous history, and this clash means so much not just to our players, but to our community as well. We were hoping for PSG or Marseille, but facing Strasbourg is still very satisfying. Every cup match is up for grabs regardless of division, and we are optimistic for this game."
The match will mark the third time within four years Thaon has reached the 16th finals of this prestigious tournament, increasing the pressure and anticipation surrounding the encounter. The community is rallying behind their team, with hopes of filling the Colombière stadium to its capacity of around 7,500 spectators. President Clasadonte expressed enthusiasm about this potential turnout and the positive impact it could have, stating, "We are trying to organize everything to make it easier for our supporters and volunteers so they can enjoy the experience. We are eager to host what we hope will be another memorable football match for everyone involved."
With ES Thaon standing firm as the last Lorraine club still vying for the Coupe de France, the echoes of previous cup runs resonate through the walls of the club’s history. The efforts to reach this stage show the team's resilience and ambition, making this upcoming match against Strasbourg one not only of sporting significance but one of local pride and community spirit.
Fans are already buzzing with excitement and longing to witness firsthand the electric atmosphere of this derby. The stage is set for what promises to be more than just another football match; it will be about showcasing talent, history, and the unbreakable spirit of local football.
