Impact looks to lessen gap with sixth place
Suddenly, the Impact is one win away from being very much back in the playoff race. The team has found a new level of consistency, having won two of its last three games, including two clean sheets, and having conceded only 10 goals in its past eight meetings. Stability in central defense surely helps, with Rod Fanni and Rudy Camacho starting two games together in a row, which was a first for two centre-backs in a long, long time.
On the other side, the Lions are searching for solutions. Orlando City SC parted ways with its head coach Jason Kreis after losing 3-0 at Stade Saputo, which was a sixth consecutive loss for the Floridians. Assistant coach Bobby Murphy will take the reins for the moment and has started his tenure with a penalty shootout win at D.C. United’s temporary home in Maryland, in the U.S. Open Cup. Some big name players have spent a little too much time on the field in this one, including Meram, Kljestan, El Munir, Higuita – who is suspended on Saturday – and Spector. Here are three keys to the game in Orlando.
- Don’t give the Lions breathing space
With their trip to Maryland, many key players starting and a 30-minute overtime, Orlando will have a bit less fuel in the tank. What was known for certain might also be a bit blurry now, after the Lions’ boss was let go. The Montreal squad could definitely take advantage of their freshness and their stability to capitalize.
- Trust in the process
Two wins in three games boosts confidence. Two goals given in three games, too, help playing with more serenity. The Bleu-blanc-noir must continue to apply its playing principles and its philosophy on the pitch, which have served the team well in recent times, to hope for any kind of comeback in the table.
- Be ruthless when the opponent makes a mistake
Sure, the Floridians have won their round of 16 U.S. Open Cup game, but they were not all that assured with the ball at their feet, offering on a platter many scoring chances to D.C. United – chances the hosts have not taken. The Impact will have to sink its teeth in this kind of mistake to instill fear and a bit of nervousness in the minds of an unsteady opponent.
