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First Thoughts
Coming off an uninspired performance in a 3-1 loss to bottom of the conference D.C. United and struggling for consistency in MLS competition as a whole, the ability to switch gears comes at the perfect time, as the Montreal Impact open CONCACAF Champions League at Stade Saputo against fellow MLS side San Jose Earthquakes.
After a slow start to the season which saw coach Frank Yallop ultimately get the axe, San Jose has rebounded and began to turn its fortunes around under interim coach Mark Watson, managing to secure wins in its last three matches against Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers and Chivas USA at Buck Shaw Stadium and subsequently putting the Quakes back into the playoff conversation with only 3 points separating them from the final playoff spot.
Keep Thinking
One of the more interesting aspects of the match will be seeing how both sides approach the group stages of the CONCACAF Champions League given its format. In past competitions MLS sides have previously used this stage of the competition to rest key players and get meaningful playing time for squad players, but given that only the group winner now advances to the Quarterfinals, a win could give either side a leg up knowing Guatemalan side Heredia is also in the mix.
It’s expected that coach Marco Schällibaum will shake up the squad a bit in a similar vein as to how he approached the Canadian Championship. Players like goalkeeper Troy Perkins, defender Matteo Ferrari, midfielder Patrice Bernier and forward Marco Di Vaio could all be rested, especially keeping in mind that a looming league fixture away to the Chicago Fire awaits. In their stead, it’s a chance for backup keeper Evan Bush, who has performed well when called upon to get some time between the sticks. Young Canadians defenders Karl Ouimette, Wandrille Lefèvre and Maxim Tissot, as well as rookie midfielder Blake Smith and an inconsistent Andrew Wenger, all need meaningful minutes in order to continue their development.
Another point of intrigue will be whether the two newest signings in Argentine Designated Player/defensive midfielder Hernán Bernardello and/or Spanish defender Adrián López Rodriguez will debut for the club. This seems like the ideal time, as it not only gives both players a chance to test the waters, but allows them the chance to do so against MLS opposition and in a comfortable environment in front of their home supporters.
The Quakes will likely go for a similar slew of changes with a crucial match against Vancouver Whitecaps to follow, a match that could see them go from outside the playoffs across the red line and firmly in the playoff picture. Changes could be seen particularly in the defensive unit, where newly acquired Clarence Goodson will likely get another run out after debuting against Chivas USA, as well as on loan Salvadorian midfielder Jaime Alas possibly getting his first chance since securing a move from Norwegian side Rosenborg.
In the forward positions Mark Watson could go with any combination of Chris Wondolowski, Steven Lenhart, Alan Gordon or Adam Jahn. However although Wondolowski is on a good scoring run for club and country and Jahn has impressed in his rookie season, given how physical this match could get, it looks tailor made for the “Bash Brothers” in Lenhart and Gordon to lead the line.
Final Thoughts
This is a match where goals could be at a premium given how both coaches set up their sides and the physical nature in which they play.
The fact that Montreal doesn’t have to travel for this match is a positive and the CONCACAF Champions League is a good opportunity for squad players to impress themselves upon Marco Schällibaum. How much of a “weakened” side is played and how they perform in this first match should go a long way to understanding just how important the club is taking the competition. That being said, all signs point to them taking it very seriously, particularly from the perspective of owner Joey Saputo and the hardcore Montreal Impact fan base.
The overall group make-up sees the Impact have a great opportunity to get out of the group and advance to the Quarterfinals, going up against semi familiar opposition in fellow MLS side San Jose Earthquakes and Guatemalan debutants Heredia, who qualified by being the runner up in the Guatemalan first division to eventual champions and fellow CONCACAF Champions League participants Comunicaciones.
With the real test coming away from home on the West Coast and in Guatemala City, it’s imperative that the Impact kick off the competition by winning at Stade Saputo, putting league form in the rear view mirror for 90 minutes and establishing the Saputo as a difficult place to get a result.
Prediction
Montreal Impact 1-1 San Jose Earthquakes
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