Garde satisfied with effort after scoreless draw against the Rowdies
It wasn’t the usual line-up you’d expect the Bleu-blanc-noir to field. No Piette or Taïder in midfield, no Urruti or Nacho up top. No, this was a much younger starting 11 chosen by head coach Rémi Garde to take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Wednesday night at Al Lang Stadium, but still framed by some veteran presence.
The team fought to a scoreless draw, meaning that the Impact has now only conceded one goal in four preseason games, a goal which came in a 1-1 draw against FC Cincinnati.
“The content of the game was very satisfying for me,” explained head coach Rémi Garde following the contest. “The only disappointment was not being rewarded with a goal. We should have won this game, but I must say, the young players had a really good game. It was our fourth game and we’ve only conceded one goal so far, which is very satisfying. This wasn’t the case at all last season. It’s a good foundation to have heading into the road games we have to start the season.”
The Bleu-blanc-noir had multiple opportunities to find the back of the net, particularly in the first half, although the Rowdies did a good job establishing a strong physical presence in their own defense third, making it hard for the Impact to get clean looks on goal.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to capitalize on our offensive opportunities, but our movement was good throughout the game,” said right-back Zachary Brault-Guillard. “But we employed the offensive systems we’ve been working on in training quite well.”
Brault-Guillard, who is expected to be Bacary Sagna’s backup in the right-back position, was one of many youngsters getting the start, allowing them to earn some needed playing time before the regular season comes around on March 2.
“I felt good on my end,” added Brault-Guillard. “I tried to contribute offensively and provide dangerous crosses. I lost the ball a few times but all in all I felt good about my game.”
“It just feels good to be back on the field,” said David Choinière, on trial with the Impact during this training camp. “I’m taking it a game and a training session at a time because I’m coming back from injury. Obviously, I’m aiming for more. I know I’m not at my best level yet but I’m getting there slowly.”
Preseason is coming down to the wire now for Rémi Garde’s men. They play one more friendly game, this Saturday against Wayne Rooney and D.C. United at 7pm, before heading to California to face the San Jose Earthquakes in Week 1 of the new MLS season, on March 2 at 10pm EST (TVA Sports).
