With Matteo Ferrari’s goal in the 93rd minute versus Real Salt Lake (certainly an added little bonus for the club’s 20th anniversary), the Impact has already amassed nine more points than they did at this time last year.
Another positive sign is that seven of the team’s points have come on the road – only two less than last year’s total for the entire season under the guidance of Jesse Marsch.
Nonetheless, one cannot get ahead of themselves and must remain fixed on the true objective: making the playoffs. With that, the Impact must recognize that right of the 10 points they’ve dropped this season have been to opponents in the Eastern Conference; teams that are in direct competition for a playoff spot.
Two-tier system
Even though the 4-1-4-1 formation served the Impact well in the beginning of the season, there are limitations and I prefer what I have seen so far from the 4-4-2.
Seven of the
team’s points have
come on the road
Defensively, the team has offered some of its most resilient performances with three central midfielders, but suffered in possession with Di Vaio alone up top. Inversely, the Italian striker has scored a total of five goals and two assists in 12 games with someone by his side in attack, three more goals than he’s scored in 17 games last year.
MDV can thank Andrew Wenger as the American’s ability to play with his back to goal against big defenders, has greatly contributed to creating space for the impact’s Designated Player. Wenger’s efforts over the last few weeks have most certainly pleased Impact head coach Marco Schällibaum. The first overall SuperDraft pick in 2012 isn’t the only player to benefit from the 4-4-2. Midfielder Justin Mapp has recently played a string of strong and consistent matches, showing the extent of his talent.
Hassoun Camara has played with six different players around him. (Photo: Johany Jutras/impactmontreal.com)
Two gladiators
Prior to the last league game, the Impact was without the services of three first rate central defenders: Ferrari, Nesta and Rivas. Most coaches in MLS would have found their cupboards empty from options in their absences.
Schällibaum has relied on two defenders who have a lot of mileage – and counting – to hold the fort for the Impact. Well supported by keeper Troy Perkins behind them, Jeb Brovsky and Hassoun Camara have played a total of 2,334 minutes in 10 weeks.
Over the last month, Camara has had to play with six different players around him, including three young players from the Academy, who are just earning their first few minutes as professionals.
For his part, the American fullback Brovsky has handled the transition from left back to the right flank smoothly. His numerous interventions in the penalty area and his offensive contribution leading up to Felipe’s strike against RSL are great examples. Let’s now hope that the facial injuries he sustained against Vancouver will not affect his play.
With all of this, the Impact is just four points from first spot in the Eastern Conference, with a number of games in hand.
Hats off.
Olivier Brett is the colour commentator during the Montreal Impact games on TVA Sports.
