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Montreal Impact 0 – 1 Houston Dynamo
The Montreal Impact faced the Houston Dynamo in a rematch of last season’s playoff game between both teams. The Dynamo ran away with a 3-0 win, eliminating the Impact. After losing the first game of the season to Dallas, the Impact was looking to win in Houston and head to their home opener with the confidence of the first win of the season behind them. The task would prove difficult of course, against a Houston team that would be prepared at home.
Patrice Bernier made the start Saturday. The newly appointed captain makes his first start this season. He wasn’t ready for a full game in the season opener against Dallas. His presence would certainly strengthen the Impact’s midfield. Nyassi was sent back to Montreal to treat an injury, meaning Mapp returned to the left wing and Collin Warner makes his first start of the season on the right. Bernandello, Felipe, and Bernier formed the middle, with Wenger up top in place of the suspended Marco Di Vaio.
The Opening 45
The first half began with good pressure from the Impact, holding up well against the team that dominated in the Impact’s first-ever playoff game. However, it seemed the Impact was missing the finishing touch today. Their best chance of the half came in the 16th minute. Camara, who had a tremendous game for the impact, gave a beautiful pass from the back four that hit Bernandello on the run. He gave a pass to Felipe, whose shot trickled just wide.
Warner, usually a midfield player, replaced Nyassi on the wings today. Although he didn’t generate much, his speed was of good use on the right side of the pitch, and he was able to get the ball forward quite a bit.
The Impact continued to press, and used the counter attack to their advantage, something they failed to do against the Impact. However, they never really managed to test the Houston keeper, and failed to generate much offense other than on the counter attack.
Perkins wasn’t very busy in the beginning of the match, but was forced to make a tremendous save in the beginning of the match, stopping a shot point blank to keep the score level.
Houston scored first in the 40th minute. Good pressure in the Impact defensive zone allowed Houston player Will Bruin to take a shot, the deflected off Montreal defender Drew Miller, and ended up over Perkins and in the back of the net. An unlucky break for Montreal, that saw them go down a goal heading into the half.
On the other end, Mapp had a chance on a 3 on 2 to build a play, but shot in the end, seeing the ball trickle slightly wide. 1-0 at the half.
The Second Half
The second half was much like the first. The Impact tried capitalizing on counters, but failed to generate much offense other than that. They also had a few good chances off set pieces that at the end were false hopes. Perhaps something Klopas will think of improving before their first home game on Saturday against Seattle.
The Impact’s best chance came in the 63rd minute, when Wenger found himself in front of the net unmarked. The Houston keeper made a Perkins-like save to keep his team up 1-0.
Bernier’s night was done in the 72nd minute, the captain’s physical form perhaps not being up to par just yet. Smith came, as well as Gonzalez. However, fresh legs for the Impact didn’t much chance the nature of this game, a story of missed opportunities and offensive stalling for the Impact.
Perkins made a few unbelievable saves near the end, giving his team a chance to equalize up until the 93rd minute. The Impact just couldn’t put it in, and went on to lose their second game of the season 1-0 to the Houston Dynamo. The Impact are now 0-0-2 to start the season, not the dream start new coach Frank Klopas was expecting, and fueling the many doubts we had about the Impact this year. They play their home opener at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal on March 22.
Man of the Match
Felipe
Although the Impact failed to generate much offense, Felipe had an excellent game. Felipe led anything created offensively by the Impact. Not only was he a force in the middle, but he also made runs to the wings, and the Impact’s best chances came off his foot. He lacked the finishing touch, and is still looking for his first of the season. Klopas has given Felipe more freedom in the middle this year, and the Brazilian clearly appreciates the move with his recent play. The Impact will want to give him the ball more often if they want to generate more offense.
Honourable mention
Hassoun Camara was rock solid for the Impact in defense. What makes him very valuable for the team is his ability to transition the play, and really get forward when the Impact is countering to generate offense. He had an excellent game against Houston, proving to be not only the best defender, but also an offensive threat. He can become a serious asset if he continues his play as the season progresses.
Perkins, the Montreal keeper, was fantastic as well. He made incredible saves, especially in the second half, to give his team a chance to equalize. The goal Houston scored was an unlucky bounce, and not his fault.
Montreal Impact Line-up
1 Perkins
3 Miller
6 Camara
13 Ferrari
5 Brovsky
23 Bernardello
8 Bernier
18 Warner
7 Felipe
21 Mapp
33 Wenger
Substitutions: Gonzalez for Warner (86), Mallace for Bernandello (85), Smith for Bernier (72)
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