MONTREAL, QC. (July 7, 2018) – Montreal Impact won their fourth straight game in MLS play on Saturday night. Thanks to two goals from designated player Saphir Taider, they defeated Colorado Rapids 2-1.
Saphir Taider brace wins Montreal Impact 4th straight, downs Colorado Rapids
The first half was a relatively uneventful affair. Montreal had several half chances off of restarts. The first good chance came just six minutes in when Daniel Lovits took a free kick short, dribbled into the box, and hit the ball just off frame.
Forward Mateo Mancosu got a good chance from the run of play in the 20th minute. Alejandro Silva sent a cross into the box from out wide. Mancosu got to the ball with his head, but couldn’t get it on frame.
Montreal won the game with two quick goals in back to back minutes. First Saphir Taider scored in the 55th minute running up the middle after a challenge by Jack Price gave Silva the ball. Taider shot between goalkeeper Tim Howard’s legs to score.
A minute later, Taider had his brace. Silva created some space in the middle of the box for Ignacio Piatti to find Taider on the run.
The Rapids pulled one back in the 78th minute. A ball fell to Axel Sjoberg on a set piece. He sent a ball through Chris Duvall and substitute Dominique Badji had an easy tap in on a wide-open goal.
The match ended 2-1.
Three takeaways:
Quick passing pulls Pids apart: Colorado played a good defensive first half. Keeping numbers behind the ball was key, midfielders and center backs. On both Montreal goals, Impact players were able to get between the lines and through the center backs. Two mistakes led to two quick goals.
Taider shines: These were just the second and third goals for the French DP. He played an excellent game and with the Rapids focused on Mancosu and Piatti, he was able to get open, find opportunities, and make them count.
Rapids start slow again: Once again, it took the Rapids almost 60 minutes (and conceding a goal) to get into the game and try and attack with regularity. This has been a major flaw for the team. This will have to change if they hope to make the playoffs.
The breakthrough! Taïder finds the opening goal for @ImpactMontreal. #MTLvCOL https://t.co/GW5ihUzQzQ
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 8, 2018
That was quick. ?
And just like that, @SaphirTaider slots home his second. #MTLvCOL https://t.co/LjUAGdsDDz
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 8, 2018
Badji with one of the best finishes you’ll see this season. Colorado pull one back. 2-1 Montreal. pic.twitter.com/ADKrYbrYEn
— Total MLS (@TotalMLS) July 8, 2018
