Impact’s defensive sacrifice falls just short
A similar thought was voiced by the majority of Montreal’s players last week, following the Impact’s loss to Los Angeles FC that saw the Californian team storm back from two goals down to win the game: not enough grit in defending. This week, against a high-powered offense like Atlanta’s, the Impact certainly tried to make up for it.
“I think the team showed collective courage,” said Impact head coach Rémi Garde. “Their willingness to defend was extraordinary. Unfortunately, we weren’t rewarded for it, but it’s still something we hadn’t seen enough of in previous games, and it’s something to build on moving forward.”
For 70 minutes, the Impact held Atlanta’s offense on the brinks, earning a few scoring opportunities of its own. It was a defensive performance that stood out so far this year for the Bleu-blanc-noir and that should benefit the team going forward.
“I think that we could be a little bit prouder at the energy and level of commitment that we had,” said goalkeeper Evan Bush. “I thought the effort was very good. If we put that effort in last week, we would’ve won that game. If we have that effort moving forward, I think there’s a lot of games we could win.”
Montreal opens the scoring
Designated Player Saphir Taïder opened the scoring for the visitors with his first goal for the Impact in MLS. His diving header gave the Impact a 1-0 lead at the fortress that is Mercedes-Benz Stadium, an advantage the Bleu-blanc-noir players took into the locker room.
“The first half on Saturday was especially good,” said defender Jukka Raitala. “When every single player on the field is giving a 100 per cent, it’s not that difficult. That kind of support makes our job in central defense a lot easier.”
Montreal experienced perhaps its best run of play upon its return from the dressing rooms, earning its best opportunity when Alejandro Silva was left alone on Brad Guzan’s left, but his shot was deflected wide.
With 20 minutes remaining in the game, an unlucky deflection off Chris Duvall’s arm in the Impact box gave Atlanta an opportunity from the spot, which was tucked away by Miguel Almirón. Eight minutes later, Kevin Kratz would beat Bush again off a free-kick. All of a sudden, it was 2-1 Atlanta. Almirón would add another after, and Kratz would also cap off his brace with another well taken set-piece.
“The one thing we could’ve done is try and avoid taking fouls,” said midfielder Samuel Piette. “It’s unfortunate because we’re a little powerless in front of goals like that. I think we deserved a lot better.”
The Impact will be back in action looking for a victory when it returns to Stade Saputo on May 5, at 1pm, to host the New England Revolution (TVA Sports, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690 – TICKETS).
