The Impact will certainly be looking to stifle the orange wave from taking over Stade Saputo, this Saturday at 7:30pm (TICKETS – TVA Sports, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690). Games against the Houston Dynamo always allow us to reminisce on good times, not so long ago, during which the two teams had developed a strong rivalry; the boiling point being, of course, the first ever playoff game for the Bleu-blanc-noir in MLS, in 2013, a blowing 3-0 defeat in Texas. Not to mention, it’s also the return of a few former members of the Impact organisation: Matt Jordan, now the technical director for the Dynamo, is fourth in club history for games played and wins between the posts, while Davy Arnaud, assistant-coach in his native Texas since 2016, was the first Impact captain in MLS. There are also former players Eric Alexander and Andrew Wenger making the trip, who feature regularly in Houston’s starting 11.
Houston just played a game in the Rockies, falling 2-1 to Real Salt Lake. There’s no doubt that travel time, combined with minimal rest, will have a role to play on Saturday. How can the Bleu-blanc-noir benefit to get itself out of this prolonged drought that’s lasted way too long? Here are the three keys to the game against the Dynamo.
Dictate rhythm by controlling possession
Is there anything more frustrating for an opponent than to run after the ball? Taking into consideration Houston’s game on Wednesday, Montreal might be able to take advantage of spaces left open by players coming to the city with a reservoir that may not be quite full. And like Rémi Garde said, he likes when his team is in possession of the ball.
Beware of quick wingers
The Dynamo certainly has some firepower in attack, with the Elis-Manotas-Quioto trident up front fed by Tomás Martínez. Watch out for the visitors’ offensive transitions; the Impact will need to win its duels on the wings and double their man-marking at times to cancel out any sign of a Texan menace.
Put good scoring chances on target
In Minnesota last week, the Bleu-blanc-noir had numerous scoring chances, and from dangerous positions, but most of the time those shots didn’t menace the opposing 'keeper. The Impact must continue its work up front, which gave the team’s attacking players some good opportunities; on their end, they’ll have to rediscover the precision necessary to reignite Montreal’s offense.
