If you can use one word to describe the change from the 2012 to the 2013 edition of the Montreal Impact, it would be efficiency.
The Impact was the fourth worst team in goals allowed last season, with 51 goals against in 34 games played for an average of 1.5 goals against per game. With a much more compact midfield, the Impact has improved those numbers significantly to 0.67 goals against after three games.
With a more structured defence, the Impact has been able to take advantage of a quick transitional play to score, earning two wins on the road in its first two games of the season, matching last year’s total for road victories.
Proficient offence
The Impact leads the league in scoring percentage at 18.5%, with five goals on 27 shots and is also tops in shots on goal with 18 of its 27 hitting the mark – good for 66.7% and second best in the league.
After three games this season, the Impact has been out shot 46-27, yet the Impact dominates its opponents in shots on goal 18 to 12.
These two stats show an efficiency attack, where the Impact is making the most of the opportunities they create over the course of 90 minutes.
Scoring first
It’s only been three games, but the Impact has yet to allow a goal in the first half of a game, outscoring the opposition 4-0. By playing with the lead, the Impact is able to better use its counter attack by relying on its organized defence to stop its opponents and quickly move the ball in the opposite direction to kick-start the attack.
Being efficient requires an ability to do the small things correctly, and as the second half against TFC showed last weekend, there is still some work to do on that end. However, when you do the little things right, as the Impact has been doing, it’s easier to deal with those momentum shifts that can change a game.
