Impact has the mental advantage before the meeting
Building on the positive. It’s what the Impact needs to keep in mind before Saturday’s game at 3pm against the Philadelphia Union (TICKETS - TVA Sports, CTV, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690). Yes, the loss in Chicago was difficult to swallow: Montreal did great defensively for 88 minutes and could’ve – or should’ve – won the game. But the team’s luck decided otherwise, and the Bleu-blanc-noir must bounce back at home against an opponent it has mastered at Stade Saputo. The Philadelphians have only managed four points in eight games in Montreal. Will the tendency repeat itself on Saturday afternoon? Here are the three keys to the game.
1. Put pressure on the Union
The visitors will be far from confident coming into this one. The Union has only won one game in its last five, and has scored only three goals in that sequence, which all came in its 3-0 victory against D.C. United. An efficient pressing will prevent Jim Curtin’s players from establishing themselves into the game and will benefit the Impact mentally.
2. Liberate Nacho
At home, Nacho Piatti is untouchable. He’s participated in every goal scored in Montreal up to now, by scoring four and assisting four others. His ability to break through against one or two defenders is crucial for the Impact’s offense. The Bleu-blanc-noir will not only have to give the ball to the Argentine in good areas of the pitch, but will also have to work around him to open spaces for the 33-year-old.
3, Keep up the good work defensively
The Impact has grown mentally in its last two games, especially without the ball. Its defensive animations are on point and remain effective even as the minutes pass by. After Atlanta, a game in which Montreal was able to silence a powerful offense for 70 minutes, New England, when the team was leading 4-0 at one point, and Chicago, where the shutout was within reach, Rémi Garde’s men are ready for a complete defensive performance. Why not this Saturday?
