How will the Impact approach the final six games?
The Impact finds itself in somewhat of a unique situation. Occupying the sixth and last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, the Bleu-blanc-noir’s last six games of the season will all be against direct rivals; three of those teams are just above them in the standings, while the other three are chasing Montreal and that final spot.
You can’t make this stuff up.
“The new few weeks will be decisive, with decisive games,” said Impact head coach Rémi Garde. “We’re approaching this stretch one game at a time, but knowing that every team we’ll play is fighting for something. It’s an interesting situation, difficult, that we’re taking on with enthusiasm and a little bit of confidence due to our most recent performances.”
The Impact therefore holds its faith in the palm of its own hands, knowing that wins against the teams right below in the standings will deliver a real blow to their playoff hopes. That being said, Rémi Garde’s men are expecting nothing less than a battle going into the last six contests.
“It’s important for us to not let our guard down or be content in any way,” said defender Daniel Lovitz. “We’re sitting in a decent spot with a few games left. We have difficult games coming up and every game will require the energy we had against New York. Hopefully, everyone is ready to go and people understand what these games are going to feel like. It’s going to be a lot like the playoffs.”
It all begins as this Saturday, with a trip to Pennsylvania for a game against the Philadelphia Union, currently in fifth and just four points away from the Impact. Montreal, coming off an international break and a 3-0 win against the New York Red Bulls, will be going into the Keystone State knowing that a win will get them to within a point of the Union.
“We’re in a good moment right now,” said midfielder Samuel Piette. “Our attitude and team spirit is at a high. It’s the best time for us to go and get a result against a team in front of us.”
