Three keys to bouncing back in Minneapolis
Turbulence zone. The Impact is currently passing a big one, but here’s a good opportunity to get out of it, this Saturday at 8pm EDT (TVA Sports, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690). Minnesota United FC, who hasn’t won in its last three games, has a similar record to the Bleu-blanc-noir’s, allowing TCF Bank Stadium’s visitors to come away with points in half of its home games thus far. Adrian Heath’s men have a rigorous and energetic style of play, but without a focal point in attack, expect maybe Darwin Quintero – the same one who scored against the Impact in Champions League action, first with Santos Laguna and then with Club América. The Impact, who has shown positive signs defensively on the road at times, will have to let go of its demons in the opponent’s final third, and as fast as possible. Here are the three keys to the game in the North Star State.
- Let go of the hand brake
The most difficult thing to find in somber times such as these is confidence. Confidence in yourself, in your abilities, in the system, in your teammates, needs to slowly creep back: whether it’s from a nice dribble, a nice pass, a dangerous shot. Montreal needs to find its ability to take risks and try different ways to breakout offensively, allowing their quality to speak for itself and releasing their mental hand brake.
- Be patient without the ball
In its last game on the road, the Impact held the Chicago Fire at bay for almost 89 minutes. Despite the result, let’s remember the team’s defensive performance, which limited Chicago’s passing in dangerous areas, giving them even less room to navigate down the middle. It’s the type of performance the Bleu-blanc-noir will need against a team that doesn’t score much.
- Play with bite and determination
Sometimes, a little luck can go a long way in terms of getting out of trouble. But you make your own luck. The Impact will have to deploy energy and will to win second balls, duels and 1v1 battles, all while staying disciplined.
