Montreal returns home with eight points after six road games
As we assessed the reasons why the Montreal Impact didn’t qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs last year, coming just four points short of making the postseason, a strong emphasis was placed on the club’s form away from home. Rémi Garde’s men had managed just three wins and two draws in 17 road games, for a total of 11 points earned in stadiums outside of Montreal, although it did manage an impressive 11 wins at Stade Saputo.
This year, after six consecutive away games to start the season, the Impact has already almost reached last year’s point total in away games, with two wins and two draws under its belt already.
“It’s a good start,” said Impact head coach Rémi Garde. “I would’ve liked a little more consistency, but if you look at other teams in MLS with a similar schedule, it’s quite a good start. But all that is behind us now and we need to focus on what’s in front of us.”
The team’s form on the road to kick off the 2019 regular season can be partially attributed to a change in mentality in how the group approaches these fixtures. If the Montreal club would have been content with a draw on the road in Garde’s first year at the helm, it’s approached these first six games with the intention of winning every single one.
“We feel more confident on the road this year,” said midfielder Samuel Piette. “I think the points we accumulated in the first six games will do us good in the long run, not only because of the standings, but also because we’re coming back home with a certain level of confidence now. We know we can perform on the road, now it’s time to reproduce that at home.”
Travel, travel, and more travel
It isn’t just playing in an unfamiliar stadium and in front of a hostile crowd that makes playing away from home so difficult. We can’t forget the travelling, the airports, the hotels, the time difference; it all takes a physical and mental toll, especially after six consecutive road games to start the year.
Add to that the month-long training camp before the start of the season, and you can understand why the Impact is so excited to finally play its first home game, this Saturday at 1pm against the Columbus Crew SC (TICKETS – TVA Sports, TSN, 98.5, TSN 690).
“I don’t know how many teams could’ve accomplished what we did on the road to start the season,” said midfielder Harry Novillo. “We’re confident, and we’re working hard to constantly get better. But the first game at home Saturday will definitely do us good.”
Home opener perks
Live from Stade Saputo, JiC will be broadcast on TVA and TVA Sports for a special show, from 10am to noon, in order to set the scene for the first game on Montreal soil. BMO will also be on site for the #FanFini 2019 official jersey exchange for the first 250 supporters who bring an older Impact jersey. Supporters are invited to arrive at Stade Saputo 90 minutes before kickoff for a brand-new pregame ritual during which they will be able to welcome the players in the stadium like never before.
