The Montreal Impact were looking to stay alive while DC United had a chance to clinch Group C with a win. Before the match, as usual, both teams decided to kneel in regards to the George Floyd incident.
MLS is Back Group C: Impact still alive
In the first half and DC United jumped out of the gates and started putting pressure on Montreal early. They were looking for their first lead of the tournament as they had trailed in both their previous matches.
It took Montreal until the 22nd minute to really come alive and start attacking as their first opportunity earned them a corner but to no avail as it sailed wide. In the 30th minute they earned another one but just couldn’t convert on it. Moments later they finally got the breakthrough they needed when Saphir Taider took a shot from outside the box that got deflected by DC United defender Frederic Brillant for the first goal of the game.
The Impact had their first lead of the tournament and now all they had to do was hold on to get the win. In the 34th minute, Felipe received a yellow card for a hard tackle on Victor Wanyama but upon review, it was shown Felipe studs went into Wanyama’s leg. The ref took a moment to confer with his other assistants to see if a red card was warranted, but he decided not to show it.
In the 37th minute, DC got another free-kick but unfortunately, it sailed wide. Victor Wanyama had a great chance in the 40th to make it 2-0 Montreal but the shot was right on target and saved by the keeper Bill Hamid.
Halftime
DC once again started the half the more aggressive team and actually managed a shot on target which would go wide. In the 56th minute, Ulises Segura took a great shot, but Montreal Impact goalkeeper Clement Diop made a great save.
Not even a minute DC United came up with another high-quality chance but once again Clement Diop made an impressive save. They were playing with more intensity, more urgency due to the situation of a win or go home.
The impact did a great job defensively, making sure DC United wouldn’t get the equalizer. They were put under immense pressure, which lead to a great counter-attack from Urruti. But the ball went off the post and out for a goal kick.
The next minute Kevin Paredes got another great shot but Clement Diop was standing tall in net. In the 75th minute, DC United earned another corner but couldn’t convert once again. In the 84th, a Montreal corner threatened again, but the ball was headed wide.
DC United were doing all they could, but couldn’t find a way to beat Diop. Into stoppage time, DC United had one more chance on a free-kick but nothing came out of it. That would be it as the final whistle blew, giving Montreal a 1-0 win.
For Impact fans, the Impact are in 2nd out of the four teams based on goal difference and tomorrow’s matches could decide it. Technically, a win by the New York Red Bulls over FC Cincinnati would put Montreal into the round of 16.
