Impact limits Red Bulls to just two shots on target
There are multiple factors that make the Impact’s 2-1 win at Red Bull Arena more impressive than you may think. Yes, the team has never won at Red Bull Arena in nine games since 2012, so leaving New Jersey with three points in the bank is impressive in itself.
But because of a barrage of nagging injuries in the squad, head coach Rémi Garde was forced to field a different starting 11 than what we’re used to, not only in terms of personnel, but regarding the formation of his men as well; instead of its usual 4-3-3, the Impact fielded three centre-backs last night for a hybrid formation going from a 5-3-2 to a 3-4-3, with Anthony Jackson-Hamel, Maxi Urruti, and Omar Browne up top.
“Our hand was a little forced, but I think this is a formation that allows the players to focus on other aspects of the game, and that’s what happened today,” said Impact head coach Rémi Garde, following his 20th win in MLS. “It’s new, but we knew it would cause them problems. The idea was to use the width of the pitch the second their pressing was in place. It was one of our solutions, along with playing long balls as well. We alternated between the two. Everyone had a big game tonight.”
With Saphir Taïder starting this one on the bench because of a small, persistent injury, Shamit Shome was given his fourth start of the year, alongside newcomer Omar Browne, making his first start for the team, and Samuel Piette, making a 49th consecutive start for Montreal.
The midfielders did a good job of quickly combining with full-backs Daniel Lovitz and Zachary Brault-Guillard, who made themselves more available on the wings to try and avoid the Red Bulls’ high press. With three centre-backs, Lovitz and Brault-Guillard were less hesitant moving forward and contributing offensively.
“We were a little skeptical because it is difficult to adjust to a new formation so quickly, but it worked brilliantly,” said midfielder Shamit Shome. “It worked well in terms of playing against the Red Bulls and it provides flexibility going forward. This is a good formation we could use to hurt teams. Now, we can hopefully apply this in other matches if we need to and go from there.”
Whether or not this formation will be employed again Saturday against FC Cincinnati, at 1pm (TVA Sports, TSN, 98.5, TSN 690) is not yet known; injury updates for certain players will determine more, but at least Garde knows it’s an option, his players having responded to it the way they did at Red Bull Arena.
“They were focused on what we tried to put in place,” added Garde. “The merit goes to them. We deserved something from this game, and we never gave up on that. They responded well tactically, and their state of mind was superb.”
