Defense, led by Bush, allows attack to shine
The Impact deserved its 3-0 win, which was a crucial one in the race for an MLS Cup playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Actually, if it wasn’t for Evan Bush and his nine saves, his third highest total in 2018, Montreal would have had a much harder time beating a Columbus Crew SC side that managed to create good scoring chances and that can still see the Bleu-blanc-noir in its rear-view mirror, sitting five points away with two games left.
Once again, this clean sheet comes courtesy of a goalkeeper who’s at his peak, but equally thanks to a satisfying defensive performance from the entire group. As per usual, the Impact limited space between the lines, putting the Crew face to face with a very compact block, not necessarily positioned very low on the field, but not pressing intensely either. In summary, opponent vanquished, and now a two-week break before the final derby of the season against Toronto FC, already eliminated from the fall tournament.
Saphir Taïder: 1 goal, 1 shot, 45 successful passes, including 11 in the final third, for an 87% success rate, 6 chances created, 1 successful cross, 4 duels won, 1 tackle won, 1 clearance.
Evan Bush: 19 successful passes, for a 66% success rate, 9 saves, 2 aerial duels won.
Impact shots: 13 in total, 9 on target, 2 headers, 7 from inside the box, 6 from outside, 1 coming from a fast break.
Evan Bush records with the Impact in MLS this season: most consecutive minutes without conceding a goal – 420, most clean sheets in a season – 9, most consecutive clean sheets – 3, most saves in a season – 126, most consecutive games in a season – 32.
