The Black & Gold visit Stade Saputo Saturday afternoon
Last week’s loss to D.C. United is the only negative point in what’s been a very positive month of September for the Bleu-blanc-noir, that saw the team post a record of two wins, one tie, and one loss, helping it maintain the sixth and last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
But now, the last month of the season is upon us, and despite still being in sixth, nothing is certain for les montréalais. A maximum amount of points from its three remaining games will be absolutely vital to keep Wayne Rooney and his band of men at bay, starting with a home game against the Columbus Crew SC, this Saturday at 3pm, at Stade Saputo (TICKETS – TVA Sports, TSN, TSN 690, 98.5fm). Here are the three keys to an Impact victory.
- Press high up the pitch
The Columbus Crew loves building out of the back, and it’s good at it. That’s why the Impact will need keep its disciplined defensive block higher up the field and apply pressure on the Black & Gold’s backline whenever it has possession, forcing it to cough up the ball. Expect a very energetic start from Rémi Garde’s men in front of their home fans.
- Rigor in front of net
What was missing from last week’s loss to D.C. United definitely wasn’t the effort, but the finishing. Montreal had 61% of possession with 25 shots tried when it was all said and done, but only four of those ended up on target. If the Bleu-blanc-noir can keep it up offensively while improving its finishing like it did in previous games, it should earn the favourable result at home.
- Play to its strengths
And that means countering. The Columbus Crew SC are good at keeping the ball in offensive situations, sometimes to the detriment of the team’s overall positioning. If the Impact is able to regain possession in its half, it should make the Black & Gold very vulnerable to transitions. And with the Impact’s firepower on the counter, it can be very dangerous for Gregg Berhalter’s men.
