ORLANDO, Florida – The Montreal Impact takes on Orlando City SC this Saturday at 7:30pm (TVA Sports, CJAD 800) at the Citrus Bowl as the team keeps pushing for its playoff spot.
The Impact is holding on to the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with 42 points, while OCSC is nipping at its heels in seventh place with 38 points. The Bleu-blanc-noir could put the nail in Orlando’s coffin with a win, with four games remaining after Saturday’s tilt, but holding two games in hand on the Lions.
“A win on our end would put us in a good place for the playoffs, so we have to approach this game like we did the Champions League, like a final,” explained Patrice Bernier. “We have to go there with a warrior’s spirit, be at our best mentally and remain concentrated.”
Some additional challenges are expected for this weekend as Orlando is calling on its fans to fill the 45,000-seat Citrus Bowl, a stadium with a turf field.
“This is a game where two of the hottest teams in the league are facing each other,” added goalkeeper Evan Bush. It’s a team that is fighting for their lives, so whenever that is the case, it’s always a tough game, especially since they are also a team that has a lot of quality.”
IMFC is coming off of an important 2-0 win over D.C. United at home last weekend – a game in which striker Didier Drogba scored two goals, earning him AT&T Goal of the Week and Player of the Week honours in MLS. He was also named the Etihad Player of the Month after scoring seven goals and adding an assist in five games played in September.
Laurent Ciman and Andrés Romero return to the Impact’s lineup after serving a one-game suspension against D.C. United.
Orlando is also coming off of a huge 5-2 victory over the Eastern Conference’s top team in the New York Red Bulls last weekend, at Red Bull Arena, where striker Cyle Larin scored three goals, while Brazilian Kaka continues his good form.
“It’s a key game for us as they are just behind us in the standings and are playing well right now. We have to attack with balance and defend preventively,” said Impact head coach Mauro Biello. “Even when we have the ball, those who are not involved in the attack need to know where Kaka is. We need to be aware of him at all times.”
The Impact plays its next game on Wednesday, October 7, at 7:30pm EDT, against the New York Red Bulls (TVA Sports, CJAD 800). The Impact’s final home game is set for Sunday, October 25, at 5pm, against rivals Toronto FC at Stade Saputo.
