The Montreal Impact returned to MLS play following the World Cup break last Wednesday night against the Vancouver Whitecaps, followed by a Sunday night matchup versus the Houston Dynamo. Montreal left British Columbia with one point after an uninspiring 0-0 draw. Sunday night saw the Impact easily defeat Houston Dynamo 3-0 at Stade Saputo.
The last number of weeks have seen the Impact continue to tinker with their roster. On June 11, the Impact signed thirty-year-old Spanish midfielder Gorka Larrea as a midfield replacement for the departing Hernán Bernardello. And just last week, Montreal bolstered the defensive depth once again, signing former Chicago Fire player, Krzysztof Król from Poland. The recently acquired Haitian defender, Mechack Jérôme, did not appear to fit into the plans for the Impact and was waived by the team.
The Italian Job:
Coming off the World Cup break, Montreal have been more organized, confident and prepared at the back. The biggest change over the last two games has been the play of Matteo Ferrari. The Italian has made an immediate impact coming off an injury, and playing arguably his best two games of the season. The leadership that Ferrari brings to the defence is unmatched and has been reminiscent of the leadership Nesta provided the Impact with last season. Ferrari has been working well with fellow centre back Heath Pearce keeping two clean sheets in the last week.
Midfield Risk Pays Off:
Starting almost an identical midfield (except Felipe starting for an injured Nakajima-Farran) in under five days in two cities separated by almost 5,000 km could have backfired on Frank Klopas, but the tactical decision paid off. The two veteran midfielders, Bernier and Larrea, seem to have already established a good chemistry and have been effective in the midfield (both defensively responsible and going forward). Maxim Tissot was also presented with the opportunity to start both games even taking many set pieces in the first half of the game in Vancouver.
Jack Mac Continues to Roll:
Jack McInerney continued his red-hot season scoring two more goals against Houston on Sunday night. The American was named to the MLS team of the week, along with defender Heath Pearce. Marco Di Vaio also found the scoresheet for only the second time this season against Houston with a tap in goal, however, it might provide the boost the Italian needs to regain his scoring touch.
Next Match – Chivas USA:
The Impact travel back to the West Coast next Saturday to face Chivas USA, hoping to continue their strong defensive play, and aim to record their third straight clean sheet. With the excessive travel Montreal has faced over the last week it could be an opportunity for Klopas to insert some new faces into the lineup, especially in the defence. Another strong performance would be a boost to confidence in the build up to the Champions League.
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Main Photo by USA Today Sports
