The CONCACAF Champions League continued on Wednesday night at Stade Saputo as the Montreal impact faced off against the New York Red Bulls. With the MLS playoffs squarely in the rear view mirror for the Impact, the Champions League has become their last hope for glory in 2014.
New York left the majority of their top players back in the Empire State for the game against Montreal as they are in the middle of a rat race to secure a MLS playoff position in a very tight Eastern Conference. Not having to face former French International Thierry Henry was welcome relief for the Impact as he has torn them to shreds over the past couple of seasons.
Impact Hold Pole Position in Champions League Group Stage
Designated Player Marco Di Vaio opened the scoring in the 16th minute after receiving a smooth pass from newcomer Nacho Piatti. Di Vaio’s marker proved to be the decisive goal as the Impact took the game 1-0. The strong partnership between Di Vaio and Piatti is continuing to pay dividends and one cannot wonder to think how things could have been different if Piatti had been around for the full MLS season.
The game proved to be a sloppy affair as the wet and cold conditions made it difficult for either team to assert themselves in the middle of the field. The young New York team held their own in a difficult atmosphere and against a stronger Montreal side on paper. As the rain pelted down both teams played it conservatively not wanting to concede. Former Everton player Matteo Ferrari was able to complete a full game for the first time in close to a month and his leadership on the field was key to the Impact taking all three points.
Impact Keeper Evan Bush continues to impress in the Montreal goal and is making a strong case to be the starting keeper next season. Bush made a number of impressive saves and redeemed himself after a poor performance in New York a couple of weeks ago. The game reached a boiling point in the second half as Red Bulls player Connor Lade was sent off for a second yellow card.
The Red Bulls must still travel to El Salvador which could be a tricky match against C.D. F.A.S., with nothing more than a victory ensuring survival. Montreal travels to New York on October 22 for the final game of the group stage. Montreal have one more game this week as they face the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night at Stade Saputo.
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