Behind enemy lines: Scouting Montreal Impact

Real looks to put last week’s disappointment behind them as they look ahead to hosting another Eastern Conference foe. The Montreal Impact come to Utah 3rd in the Eastern conference with games in hand. Montreal spirits will be high after erasing a 2 goal deficit to secure three points against New England last weekend. They will seek their first ever victory at Rio Tinto stadium come Saturday night.

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Goalkeeper

In goal for the blue & black is 2014/2015 CONCACAF Champions League Golden Glove winner Evan Bush. The former Akron Zip has plied his trade in Montreal since they were an NASL side in 2011. Bush was a key contributor in Montreal’s CCL run and has done well to continue his form ever since. Although Bush will be disappointed by his standards as he let a soft header past him from Kei Kamara last week. He will hope to rebound with a better performance on the road.

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Defense

The anchor of the Montreal back-line is 30 year old Laurent Ciman. The Belgian was a squad member for his country at the Euro 2016 tournament and featured in the opening match against Italy. The 2015 MLS defender of the year could make his return back from international team duty this weekend after a six week absence. Homegrown player Wandrille Lefevre will likely be his partner in the middle while Ambroise Oyongo and Hassoun Camara are favored to defend the wing positions.

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Midfield

Montreal packs the midfield much like many other teams in MLS to allow a free role for their playmaker to roam. That playmaker is Ignacio Piatti. After converting his second penalty kick last weekend against New England, he will be hoping to add to his 10 goal tally as he sits second in the league for the Golden Boot race. Considering he is second league-wide in goals from a midfield position is commendable.

The supporting wide players will likely be Harry Shipp and Michael Salazar. Last week’s home stand against the Revolution was a coming out party for Salazar as he scored a brace on his first ever start. Club captain Patrice Bernier and MLS vet Eric Alexander will be prime candidates to start in defensive midfield positions.

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Forwards

An unfortunate piece of news for probably everyone except those with Claret-and-Cobalt tinted glasses is the reports of Didier Drogba’s thigh injury likely to keep him out of Saturday’s match. Even some RSL fans will be disappointed not to see one of the world’s best strikers in person at the RioT.

The man to lead the line in Drogba’s stead will be Dominic Oduro. The 30-year-old Ghanian is one of the fastest players MLS has to offer, and he will shadow the defense all game in hopes of getting a chance to get in behind to let his pace do the rest.

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