SAN JOSE, Calif.- The San Jose Earthquakes started the much anticipated 2017 MLS season in the proper direction with a convincing 1-0 victory over Montreal Impact in front of 18,000 loyal supporters.
San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 Montreal Impact: Three talking points as Anibal Godoy propels Quakes
The one goal victory could have been easily a three or four goal rout, as it marked the Quakes first earned three points in MLS regular season play over the Canadian side. Here are three talking points, such the superlative performance by Anibal Godoy and rookie Nick Lima’s shutdown showing on MLS All-Star Ignacio Piatti.
Coach Dom Kinnear Starts on a Good Note
Coming into Saturday’s season opener many pundits viewed Kinnear’s job security as one of the thinnest in the league, but due to the Quakes busy off-season, it was a largely overlooked situation. After the season started with three points to his name, the Glasgow born coach praised his men’s performance against what at one point was a 10 men Impact side.
“To start the season with a win is very positive,” said Kinnear. “I like the the roster we put together. You can’t base off of one game, but it just shows you the potential you have off this one game too.”
The one goal victory directed by Kinnear over Montreal has eased his way into the season with a foot in the right direction and displayed the type of performances he will have to construct in order to stay employed.
Rookie Nick Lima handles Ignacio Piatti
In what was the focal point of the match, rookie left back and Quakes second homegrown player Nick Lima made his debut having to defend one of the fiercest attackers in MLS in Ignacio Piatti. Lima, limited the multimillion dollar target and Argentine designated player to a single shot the entire 90 minutes, and looked as composed as any top left back the league has to offer.
“At least for me, it proves that you can shutout against guys like that,” said Lima. “That’s big mental goal fulfilled in something you just keep working off of.”
The 22-year-old rookie showcased the ability to link offensively with the right midfield, and displayed aggressive defensive play when falling back to defend. Simply, the Impact attack could not find alternatives with Piatti’s disappearance, which was all in Lima’s hands.
Godoy’s Extraterrestrial Performance Major Reason for the Three Points
Godoy’s exquisite 17th minute chip over Evan Bush and the build up to it, summarized the remarkable night Godoy had against Montreal. The Panamanian international put up an emphatic performance: completing 87 percent of his passes (according to sofacore.com) as well as drawing nine fouls in which one granted Impact defender Hassoun Camara a red card after yellow accumulation. From the first whistle to the final whistle; Godoy easily had his best game sporting the black and blue kit. Godoy’s MLS Player of the Week-esque performance was a team effort to him, and one that convinced him from the get-go.
“Right now we have a lot of players, which is good, a healthy competition,” said Godoy. “Last year we had a few (players) to choose from, this year we have a lot of players that can aid in many ways to the team.”
