Impact finds momentum at right time
Four wins on the trot are a testament to the level of performance and confidence within the Montreal Impact group. After two consecutive losses to end July, the Bleu-blanc-noir bounced back in the best of ways to start the August, a critical month in the MLS Cup playoff race. For now, after Wednesday’s results, the Montreal squad sits in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, one point ahead of Atlanta United FC, the closest chaser under the playoff line. The Impact can also look upwards, having a game in hand on the Chicago Fire, in third place with a five-point lead, and three on Columbus Crew SC, fourth, with three points more.
If Mauro Biello’s team stands in this position today, it’s because of a contribution by almost everyone in the squad during this winning streak: 20 players have played some minutes and five have directly had an impact on the score sheet, either by scoring or creating a goal. At the other end, Montreal has only conceded twice, registering two clean sheets in the process. It is thus collective performances, offensively and defensively, that have allowed the team to climb up the standings. Let’s still gloss over some of the individual efforts by a couple of players since the start of August.
Evan Bush
4 games played for 360 minutes, 63 successful passes, including 2 in the final third, for a 53% completion rate, 10 saves for an 83% save percentage, 5 punches, 2 accurate keeper sweepings out of 3.
Víctor Cabrera
4 games played for 275 minutes, 96 successful passes, including 4 in the final third, for an 81% completion rate, 11 tackles won for a 79% success rate, 6 interceptions, 17 clearances, 9 recoveries, 163 touches, 61% of duels won.
Laurent Ciman
4 games played for 360 minutes, 123 successful passes, including 10 in the final third, for a 78% completion rate, 1 chance created, 5 tackles won for a 100% success rate, 5 interceptions, 18 clearances, 14 recoveries, 204 touches, 56% of duels won.
Samuel Piette
3 games played for 259 minutes, 117 successful passes, including 8 in the final third, for an 88% completion rate, 9 tackles won for a 75% success rate, 3 interceptions, 4 clearances, 32 recoveries, 165 touches, 60% of duels won.
Blerim Dzemaili
3 times on MLS Team of the week, 2 goals, 3 assists, 4 games played for 325 minutes, 106 successful passes, including 47 in the final third, for a 75% completion rate, 8 chances created, 7 tackles won for a 58% success rate, 2 interceptions, 2 clearances, 17 recoveries, 219 touches, 56% of duels won.
Nacho Piatti
MLS Player of the week 24, once on MLS Team of the week, 6 goals, 1 assist, 4 games played for 344 minutes, 87 successful passes, including 36 in the final third, for a 76% completion rate, 8 chances created, 9 tackles won for a 82% success rate, 6 interceptions, 24 recoveries, 229 touches, 50% of duels won.
