With the MLS taking a few weeks off for the 2014 World Cup, it allows for time to look back at the the Montreal Impact season up to this point. This week, the Impact Dispatch will review the goalkeeping and defence and assign player ratings out of 10. Montreal has not been able to replace Alessandro Nesta, after the Italian retired at the end of last season. The loss of Nesta, combined with numerous injuries, and lack of signings have taken a toll on the Impact this season.
Goalkeeper Ratings:
Troy Perkins: Troy Perkins has been left out to dry in nearly every match this season, and only has two clean sheets to show for his efforts. Although he has made some big saves, Perkins does not look quite as sharp as he did last season. 7/10
Evan Bush: It is not easy to come off the bench and feature in only a few matches, however Bush has been very good when called upon (cup games). If the Impact hope to make it through the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League they will need Bush to be on top of his game. 7/10
Defence Ratings:
Hassoun Camara: After a rocky start to the season, Camara has turned his game around, acting as the best defender through the month of May and early June. The sure footed Camara was caught out of position regularly at the start of the season, having to cover for central defenders. However, Hassoun appears to have rediscovered his physical game and confidence. 7/10
Jeb Brovsky: After playing nearly every game for the Impact last season, Brovsky seemed to get off on the wrong foot with new manager Frank Klopas. The defender from Colorado struggled to find his game this season, featuring in only 7 matches. Jeb was eventually traded on June 12 to New York City FC. 6/10
Matteo Ferrari: The Italian has been a rock for the Impact in their inaugural two seasons. During the offseason, Ferrari expressed displeasure with Montreal management for not upgrading the team, after the retirement of Alessandro Nesta. After suffering an injury, the ex-Everton F.C. player has only played in 8 matches for the Impact this season. The veteran defender is starting to show his age and has lost a step against younger forwards. 5/10
Wandrille Lefèvre: The former Impact Academy player has played in 5 matches for the Impact this season, these games coming after Ferrari went down with injury. Lefèvre has had a rocky time with the senior squad this season, after having a fantastic preseason. 6/10
Eric Miller: A first round pick for the Impact in this seasons MLS SuperDraft, Eric Miller has been used in 3 games at the very start of the season, before going down with an injury. Miller looks to have potential however his introduction into the starting 11 may have come prematurely. 5/10
Karl Ouimette: Since shifting to left back from the centre of defence, Ouimette looks to have found a position he is more comfortable in. The recent move has benefitted Ouimette as he has begun to assert his physicality and shown more confidence. 6/10
Heath Pearce: Pearce was brought in just before training camp to add some experience, to the defence. With all of the injuries, Heath has been relied upon to be a regular starter for the Impact this season. With little consistency on the Montreal defence, Pearce has had trouble adjusting. 5/10
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