The Montreal Impact came back from behind to equalize in this Saturday evening’s clash against Columbus Crew SC at MAPFRE Stadium. After leading the first half 2-1, the Crew SC added two quick second half goals to take a commanding 4-1 lead. The Impact clawed its way back with a PK goal from Didier Drogba, a second goal from Piatti and a stoppage-time equalizer from Dominic Oduro.
Ignacio Piatti 26’ (1-1)
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Piatti scored his first goal of the evening in the first half when Columbus was already leading 1-0. The action leading up to the goal starts from Montreal’s own end of the pitch.
Following a throw in inside Montreal’s half, centre back Laurent Ciman took a few touches forward while always lifting his head, scanning for passing options. Ciman spotted midfielder Marco Donadel alone in between Columbus’ lines. Ciman’s long-range pass was ideal: it eliminated six Crew SC players from the action.
From here, Donadel recognized the large amount of space in behind Crew SC’s defenders, who had pushed up. He quickly turned to hit a long ball down the right side for Dominic Oduro to chase. Columbus goalkeeper Steve Clark anticipated the play well and rushed to clear the ball into touch. It took Montreal two passes to eliminate their opponents’ defensive block and get into the final third.
Following the ensuing throw in, Impact full back Ambroise Oyongo created just enough space for himself to cross in a floated ball in the direction of Piatti and Drogba. Drogba received on the edge of the penalty area. In one touch, Drogba turned and split two defenders with a pass in between to Piatti.
Piatti’s clever first touch flick set the ball up on his favoured right foot. He precisely curled the ball into the far corner of the goal, something Piatti has already done successfully many times in an Impact shirt.
This goal had many positive elements consisting of effective direct play forward, with two long passes eliminating the entire opposition; good 1-v-1 offensive play to cross the ball in; and clever combination play requiring a good technique for the finish.
