Montreal successful against Chicago at Stade Saputo
The Impact is somewhat living the opposite scenario of its 2018 season. With eight games played on the road and just one at Stade Saputo until now, Montreal is fighting for first place in the Eastern Conference and has already accumulated as many points as it had in the entire 2018 season. Confidence is high among Rémi Garde’s men in the face of another Eastern Conference opponent, the Chicago Fire, this Sunday, April 28, at 12:30 PM (TICKETS – TVA Sports, 98,5, TSN 690), after a convincing performance, during which the team’s offense, still without it’s magician Nacho Piatti, scored three goals.
Montreal’s identity is clear: the block is compact and difficult to penetrate through the middle, players are generous in their efforts, starting with striker Maxi Urruti, a true first line of defense, and chances are created thanks to the team’s high pressing and long spells of possession. If the team’s quality in the final third had been more subpar than usual, that was definitely fixed against New England. Now, how will the Impact control the Fire at Stade Saputo? We have three ways here.
- Aerial duels
Chicago moves the ball up the pitch the aerial way; Veljko Paunovic’s troops have actually scored three goals thanks to long balls thus far into the season. With targets like CJ Sapong and Nemanja Nikolic up front, this approach is quite logical. Montreal’s man-marking and aerial duels will determine how dangerous the Fire will be offensively.
- Work rate
The biggest difference Wednesday compared to previous games was how dynamic the Impact was, making runs and winning duels. One thing you can control on the field is your work rate, and it served Montreal well at Gillette Stadium. In front of their supporters, we can expect the players to once again leave it all on the pitch.
- Pressing
Chicago has already conceded twice this season due to defensive errors. Montreal’s high press, on its end, has been causing its opponents problems. With the speed of its offensive trident, don’t be surprised if Sunday’s hosts recover balls in dangerous areas and cause defense mistakes in the Fire’s defensive third.
Now, for the first time in 2019, the Impact will have the opportunity to play two consecutive games at home, starting with a matchup against the Chicago Fire on Sunday, April 28 at 12:30pm (TICKETS - TVA Sports, 98.5, TSN 690). Excellent tickets for Sunday's game are still available, as well as season or partial memberships on impactmontreal.com. The Impact recommends adequately planning your transport, using public transportation and arriving early. Stade Saputo's doors will open at 10:30am to allow you to enjoy the atmosphere and take advantage of numerous activities in the stadium's corridors. From 10:30 to 11:30am, the classic 2-for-1 on all drinks will be in place. Also, don't miss our new pregame ritual, during which supporters can welcome players in Stade Saputo's North grandstand, 90 minutes before kickoff. Montreal will then host New York City FC on Saturday, May 4 at 5pm, for a second game in a month against the Citizens (TICKETS - TVA Sports, 98.5, TSN 690).
