Jim Curtin’s men sit one point behind the Impact
It seems like only yesterday, the Impact was playing its first game of the season in San Jose, kicking the campaign off right with a 2-1 win on the road and three points in the bag.
A lot has happened since then, both on and off the pitch. This Saturday in Philadelphia, when Rémi Garde’s men take on the Union at 1pm, at Talen Energy Stadium (TVA Sports, TSN, 98.5, TSN 690), it’ll mark their seventh game away from home already after eight games played.
Considering where they are in the standings, the team seems to have faced this challenge head on.
“We’re used to it by now, and we’ve developed good habits,” said Impact head coach Rémi Garde. “We have a little more confidence on the road than last season for sure. We know that when every one of us works hard for each other, we can be a very solid team, with good attacking assets. Philly is a good team, who’s having a good start. Hopefully we can have a good game.”
The Impact’s improved road form is a good sign of things to come during the rest of the season for the Montreal club. Last year, the Impact managed just three wins and two draws on the road, for 11 points. Despite a very good home record, the club’s form on the road is a big reason why it ultimately missed the playoffs.
This year, after six games on the road, they already have eight points in the standings. They followed that sequence of away games with a 1-0 win in their home opener over the Columbus Crew SC.
“We’re trying to focus on performing each time for 90 minutes,” said full-back Daniel Lovitz. “At the same time, we try to make sure to keep the ball out of our own net. If we can succeed in doing that, fantastic. I think there are times on the road, and this weekend’s one of them, where we can be dangerous.”
The Impact will play a second consecutive game on the road on Wednesday, April 24, at 7:30pm, against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium (TVA Sports, TSN, 98,5, TSN 690), before playing its second game of the season at Stade Saputo on Sunday, April 28, at 12:30pm, against the Chicago Fire (TICKETS – TVA Sports, 98,5, TSN 690).
