The right-back wins Videotron Man of the Match in first MLS game
When the Impact announced it had signed Bacary Sagna, not many doubted his skill level. After all, the right-back spent most of his career in the Premier League, and was just coming off a season in Italy’s Serie A.
But what of his integration into MLS, a league that takes some getting used to for certain players? What of his form? The French international hadn’t played a game since May 21 and may have needed some fine-tuning before playing his first minutes.
Obviously, after Saturday’s performance, in which he was named Videotron Man of the Match, all those questions were quickly put to rest.
“He played at a very high level,” said head coach Rémi Garde. “He’s a very good player. He hadn’t played in a long time and he’s still getting to know his teammates, but we saw that he was very reassuring, calm, with a good reading of the game. He contributed to this result in a big way.”
But the thing that stood out the most in Bacary’s case, especially for his teammates, was his experience, and everything that comes with it.
“The thing I notice about guys coming from a high level isn’t their technical or tactical ability, which obviously they have, but their transition of focus from defense to offense, or vice-versa,” explained goalkeeper Evan Bush. “When the ball is turned over, they’re already thinking about the next play. That takes a lot of experience, knowledge and understanding of the game for it to be natural. I noticed that tonight. We turn the ball over and Bacary is back at the right place defensively, or we gain the ball and he’s immediately an asset.”
Sagna’s viewpoint
As far as first games go in a new league, you can’t get much better than Saturday night’s scenario for Bacary Sagna. The 35-year-old defender was an offensive threat on the flank, while staying sound defensively over the course of 90 minutes. The team managed to come away with the three points, and the atmosphere within Stade Saputo was electrifying, especially after Daniel Lovitz netted the dramatic game winner.
“Honestly, there aren’t many differences than with Europe,” said right-back Bacary Sagna. “People came and supported us from beginning to the end. The crowd had its impact in this game, especially in the last few minutes. It gave us confidence and we managed to score.”
The three points against the Fire were vital, as the Bleu-blanc-noir managed to remain in sixth and last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Rémi Garde’s troops will now travel one province to the West for a game against Toronto FC at BMO Field. The Reds, sitting nine points behind but with two games in hand, will have everything to play for come Saturday.
“Every game will be important now,” added Sagna. “We need to stay serious until the end. We need to be solid at home or away starting next week, play with character, and show that we have a desire to qualify for the playoffs.”
