Montreal Impact Quick Facts:
Regular Season Record: 5-7-3
Points: 18
Goal Differential: -5
Eastern Conference Rank: 9th
Total Shots: 195 (Tied for 17th in MLS)
Last Five Matches: 1-3-1
Home Record: 5-2-1
When Columbus last played Montreal, Crew SC caught the Impact at the peak of their roller coaster season. Montreal’s 2-1 victory on June 6 capped off a 4-1 stretch, which vaulted the Impact from the Conference basement to the thick of the playoff race.
Since then, the roller coaster has come back down to earth. Montreal is winless in four of its last five matches, falling to New York City FC twice and Toronto FC once, defeating Orlando City SC and drawing with the Philadelphia Union. The Impact allowed 10 goals during those five matches.
During Montreal’s most recent match, a 2-1 loss to New York City, a look at the box score would have indicated a lopsided Montreal victory. The Impact held a 25-5 advantage in shots, 10 of which were on-target, fired off 10 corners and 26 crosses, and were caught offside only once.
Yet, despite the statistical advantage, Montreal couldn’t break through during the run of play. Ignacio Piatti’s successful 77th minute penalty kick put Montreal on the board, but thanks to 33 New York City clearances and a David Villa brace, NYCFC came away with three points.
Despite Montreal's recent run, Crew SC should brace for the Impact. The Canadians have proven to be somewhat of a force at home this seaon, having won five of eight matches and losing only two at Stade Saputo. The Impact average two goals per match at home, as opposed to 1.13 on the road.
Montreal players to watch include Piatti, the team's leading scorer with five, who scored for a second consecutive match against New York.
Crew SC Sporting Director and Gregg Berhalter expects a tough match against a team that is organized well defensively and dangerous on the break.
“I think as we look towards the second half of the season, that’s a team that’s going to be climbing the table. I really believe that they have the quality to start moving up, so we know it’s going to be a tough game,” Berhalter said. “Frank [Klopas, MTL Head Coach] gets those guys well organized and they’re going to be difficult to break down. They’re going to be deadly on the counter and they have quality. So, in my eyes, it’s a very difficult game.”
For more of Berhalter's insights and comments from Crew SC midfielder Ethan Finlay and goalkeeper Steve Clark, head over to our match preview.
