A difficult task awaits in the American capital
We’re finally here. Since D.C. United began its surge up the Eastern Conference standings, this matchup has been looming in the distance for both teams. The Montreal Impact, sitting in sixth with 40 points, with just one loss in its last seven games, takes on Wayne Rooney and D.C. United, five points back but with two games in hand, and only two losses in their last 11 games.
Needless to say, this late into the season, the playoff implications are huge.
The Bleu-blanc-noir now faces the difficult task of going to Audi Field this Saturday and earning a favourable result. A task made more difficult by the fact that the Black and Red love playing at home, having lost there just twice this season. But confidence is at a high for Rémi Garde and his men, and they’ll be looking at their recent road game in Philadelphia as reference point. Here are the three keys to this pivotal showdown in the East.
- The Rooney-Acosta tandem
There’s no doubting Wayne Rooney’s influence on this D.C. United squad, especially on his fellow forward Luciano Acosta. The Argentine had a goal and seven assists to his name before the English legend made his debut in mid-July. Since then, Acosta has added an extra level to his game, scoring seven goals and adding another six assists while playing alongside Rooney.
There’s no doubting their chemistry, and Rooney’s ability to find his teammate in behind the defensive line. Montreal will have to be as good as it’s been recently defensively to block out the tandem’s threat.
- Handling pressure
There’s a lot on the line for both these teams. A loss for either or would take that team’s playoff destiny out of its hands, while the winner, despite not quite being at the finish line, will see it in the horizon. The pressure will be enormous at Audi Field, a stadium D.C. has only lost twice in. Like head coach Rémi Garde said, “this pressure must be accepted and handled. Rather than refuse it, we need face it.”
- Finishing opportunities
Montreal has tried its luck on goal as of late, attempting 15 shots in each of its last three games, in which the team has gone unbeaten, including two wins. Sure, Rémi Garde’s men have scored eight goals in the process, but only one in its last draw at home against New York City FC. A little more finesse in front of net can go a long way against a D.C. team that blew a lead three times in its last game against the New York Red Bulls.
