First Impact win in New Jersey upholds season trend
As the title would suggest, there’s been quite a few firsts this season for the Montreal Impact, something that became even more evident after Wednesday night’s win against the New York Red Bulls.
The win itself marks the first time the Impact has ever left Red Bull Arena with a positive result. A few weeks earlier, the Impact won its first game at Gillette Stadium since 2015, and although that may not be a first, four years is quite a long time.
On an individual level, newcomers Harry Novillo, Omar Browne, and Orji Okwonkwo have all scored their first Impact goals in the past few weeks. Shamit Shome did the same as well, finding the back of the net for the first time since he was chosen at the 2017 SuperDraft.
And then yesterday, centre-back Zakaria Diallo tied the game with his first Impact goal, right before striker Maxi Urruti opened his account with the Montreal club from the penalty spot.
When it comes to firsts, this may the most important one yet.
“I think it’s going to benefit him,” said Impact head coach Rémi Garde. “He was frustrated, and I knew it would do him good. The others were so happy for him as well. It was a nice moment. But he knows that even when he doesn’t score, he’s so important for the team.”
Urruti provided an assist before scoring from the spot, providing the inch-perfect cross to Diallo for the Impact’s first goal. It brings his assist tally to four on the season, more than anyone else on the team after 12 games.
“I was disappointed, I wanted to take the penalty and he didn’t let me,” joked midfielder Samuel Piette. “It’s good, because he’s opened his account. I know Maxi’s quality; I see it every day in training. This goal will do him good and take some pressure off him. I think it’s the first of many.”
If it’s a goal the Argentinean has been waiting on for a while now, the same goes for Diallo. Although scoring goals isn’t necessarily part of his job description, the tall French centre-back will certainly rejoice in his offensive contribution after missing the entire 2018 season with an injury.
“I’m very happy, of course,” said Diallo. “I’ve come close to scoring a few times, but it never came. I’ve wanted this goal for a while. Hopefully it’s the first of many for Maxi and me. He’s given us so much energy since the start of the season and was never rewarded. I knew it was coming, and I’m happy for him.”
