The 2014 season was a difficult one for the Montreal Impact. The team from the La Belle Province finished dead last in the MLS standings with only 28 points. Montreal had the second worst goal differential at the end of the season with -20. The now defunct Chivas USA were the only other team to have a worse goal differential with -32. This week we will break down the performance of the keepers and defenders on the Impact over the course of the year. Next week we will turn to reviewing the midfield.
The Thin Blue Line: Failings of the Montreal Impact Defence in 2014
Keepers:
Troy Perkins: It seems like a given that Perkins will not be returning to the Impact next season. The veteran keeper had been fantastic since Montreal acquired him from Portland in 2012. However lack of confidence and communication issues with the defence created havoc, and Perkins was demoted to backup halfway through the season. Severely struggled managing goal kicks and clearing the ball when he played. 6/10
Evan Bush: As it stands Bush seems set to start the 2015 campaign. Bush came into a difficult position and made the most of his opportunity. The question will be if he can play an entire MLS season. 6.5/10
Defenders:
Mamadou Danso: “Futty” was acquired in a trade with Portland early in the season but never saw much playing time. A regular starter with the Timbers, Danso was never really given a shot and inexplicably sat behind Pearce on the depth chart. His experience could have really helped the team out. 6.5/10
Karl Ouimette: Along with Lefevre, the Impact Academy product continues to grow and improve. Ouimette was moved out to the wing from the central defender role which has benefited him. He has also become a much more physical player which has added another important element to his game. 6.5/10
Krzysztof Krol: Along with Pearce, a very disappointing signing. Krol was reunited with Klopas halfway through the season and struggled throughout. Was regularly beaten down the wing and made numerous errors during the season. 4/10
Wandrille Lefevre: Wandrille continues to improve as a central defender. The French defender is continuing to grow as a player on the field. Has a good chance of being a regular starter next season over Pearce and provides a great ability to get the ball forward. 6.5/10
Eric Miller: Although Miller struggled at times, he looks promising for the future. The first round pick looked comfortable coming forward into the play throughout the season and getting into the attack. If Miller can continue to improve he will certainly be a regular starter for the Impact in the near future. 6/10
Heath Pearce: One of the disappointments of 2014. Added just before the 2014 season, Frank Klopas placed a lot of trust in Pearce to help solidify the central defence along with Ferrari. The two players never were able to mesh, equating to many nightmares for both Perkins and Bush throughout the season. 4.5/10
Matteo Ferrari: Ferrari’s departure is still fresh in the minds of Impact fans. Ferrari has been a driving force for the Impact and will be sorely missed. The Italian had an up-and-down season and had trouble finding consistency. At times looked uninterested and tired. 7/10
Hassoun Camara: The ex-Bastia defender was often caught out of position trying to help other struggling defenders. Since the Impact joined the MLS he has been one of their best, however 2014 was a forgettable season for Camara. 6.5/10
The Future is Unknown:
With the departure of Ferrari, the Impact have a huge hole to fill in the centre of defence. The acquisitions made by Klopas during the 2014 season backfired and the Impact will be going into the 2015 season with young group. The ex-academy players are slowly improving, however not fast enough to provide a solid enough core to start 2015. Eric Miller has a chance to break out next season and be one of the best defenders on the team. The addition of a healthy Gege Soriola and Adrian Lopez to the roster could make a difference but at this point they still remain wildcards.