Lions have just one win in four visits to Stade Saputo
The Impact has work to do before the break. After Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake, Montreal has two more games to play until next Wednesday, starting with a matchup against Nani and Orlando City SC, this Saturday at 5pm, at Stade Saputo (TICKETS – TVA Sports, TSN, 98.5, TSN 690). And if it’s something that might interest you, arrive earlier and come watch the Champions League final with us; the stadium’s West gate will be open as of 2:30pm.
Let us now turn our attention to the pitch. We now know that Designated Player Nacho Piatti will miss a solid chunk of the season; the Impact will therefore need to replace this sizeable absence, although the team has proven that it can certainly have success without the Argentine. As proof, the Impact sits third in the East, just two points behind D.C. United, in first for now. With a strong majority of games left to be played at home for Rémi Garde’s men, things are looking good, but home-field advantage and the support from our dear supporters will still need to be converted into points. Here’s how to do it against Orlando City SC.
- Pedal to the metal right away
It was nice to see the Impact attack ferociously in the beginning of Wednesday’s game; Saphir Taïder hit the crossbar barely 75 seconds into the game, Rudy Camacho’s header off a set piece had to be parried away by goalkeeper Nick Rimando in the second minute, and most of the action took place in the opponent’s half in the first 10 minutes. We want more of the same Saturday.
- Take responsibility
It’s how it is in professional sports; when one player suffers an injury, another takes his place. Yes, Centre Nutrilait’s infirmary has been busier than usual as of late, although the group built by Garde keeps going. With a clear philosophy in place, it’s up to the players on the pitch to demonstrate courage, like they have since the beginning of the season, and to take responsibility – offensively and defensively – in order to manage the desired result.
- Stay cool
We remember our last game against the Lions, in Florida: a lack of fair play on Orlando’s end and a scuffle initiated by the pest Dom Dwyer allowed things to escalate. A deep breath of fresh air should go a long way for Montreal, in order to avoid falling into the same trap twice.
