Impact delivers big three points to start the season
You couldn’t write a better beginning to the Impact’s 2019 season. Not only did Rémi Garde’s men get all three points, but they did so away from home, and even more importantly, they did it by coming back from behind after conceding the game’s first goal, Saturday night at Avaya Stadium.
°We didn’t panic, and we were able to tie the game,” explained head coach Rémi Garde. “When you’re behind away from home, being able to come back and regain the lead shows a lot of character. This game would’ve been over if Saphir would have scored on that third opportunity, but we were able to hold on until the very end thanks to this group’s team spirit.”
It was a nervous start for both teams, as you’d expect in the first game of the season, but things took a turn for the worst when the home team slotted in the opening goal with just over 10 minutes played.
The Impact did quickly find its bearings however, tying the game thanks to a nice individual play from Nacho Piatti, before gaining the lead thanks to another moment of brilliance from Zakaria Diallo.
“I had space in front of me,” said Diallo, describing the Impact’s winning goal. “We had possession on the wing, and I noticed San Jose really low on the field. I asked for the ball and ran forward. After, Saphir made an excellent run as well, which makes it easier. With a bit of luck, I got him the ball and he put it in.”
Three points to start the year
For a team that only managed three wins on the road in 2018, Saturday night’s scenario couldn’t have been more perfect. The Bleu-blanc-noir, after going unbeaten through five preseason games while allowing just one goal, was eager to put itself to the test in the league and prove that it could find success away from home in 2019.
“It’s crucial for us to start with three points on the road. It’s really huge,” said midfielder Samuel Piette. “But the win was especially important to confirm everything we’ve done in preseason; the good performances, the physical and tactical work. I think it was important for the team’s confidence to start the season, and it was the perfect result.”
The result will definitely be a confidence booster for Bleu-blanc-noir, who still has plenty or road games to play before finding the confines of its home, Stade Saputo. But as we saw last Saturday night, there seems to be a lot of determination in this Montreal side.
“It’s been a month and a half since we restarted,"added Diallo. "We all suffered together. Our team spirit is exceptional. We really have a great group, and this victory feels really good. We know we have a lot of road games to start the year, but we started with a win. It shows other teams that it will be hard to beat us, even in their house.”
