Pregame notes vs Portland Timbers.

Last week Montreal gave another step forward  and  is starting to feel more part the pack in MLS rather than an expansion team,

 It’s scary knowing we already played a quarter of our schedule and we are unable to to create quality attacks. It is time to focus on our weaknesses and find a way to be less vulnerable, because 1 win, 5 losses and 2 ties is not an exciting record specially when Montreal is struggling to attract new fans into this new project. 

That night in DC, before the end of the game, Jesse Marsch reminded all of us how different can the options be with Corradi or Braun on the field, especially being one of the most effective games for the Italian since he arrived when winning almost all air duels creating several opportunities for Nyassi who unfortunately spent most of the night offside, but that’s another discussion.  Bernardo, who obviously lacks Braun’s speed is very good positioning the body and winning headers which that night gave another dimension to Impact’s attack. Not that I like the abuse of long balls we played  in DC but at least we have Bernardo to start in those attacks. With Braun on the field, well unfortunately nothing happens. 

We need a guy that play behind the forwards and make that final pass we are all waiting. We have that guy and has the number 28 on his back. Sinisa Ubiparipovic has not the best defending qualities and I imagine that is why Felipe has been starting all games, because the Brazilian is an all around midfielder, the favorite profile for Jesse Marsch. But it is time to make a change in the approach of the game. The duo Felipe-Bernier or Felipe-Warner is what has established Montreal’s character in the league where everywhere I read or listen comments about our city the only good thing I hear is ‘’The Impact is not an easy team to play against’’.  That is a good reputation, I like it, but we are not a dangerous team when in possession of the ball. 

The approach I would take in the next games, or at least I would try it against Timbers today, is to use the double pivot Bernier-Warner knowing both midfielders have played very well in previous games and have Ubiparipovic with 2  wingers like Mapp and Arnaud or Neagle or Nyassy in the attack with only one forward building a 4-2-3-1. This way the Serbian won’t have much defensive chores and might concentrate to distribute the ball with to attackers.  because is there where Felipe has failed in the last 5 games. I don’t remember another good pass besides the one to Nyassi to complete the 1st ever MLS goal on Arnaud’s header. I also don’t think is fair either to relegate Ubiparipovic to the bench after showing his good touch against Toronto.

According to the latest trends on the trainings, I know this formation is not what is on Marsch’s mind but in my opinion is the best way to use our players. Because Justin Mapp and Sinisa Ubiparipovic, being two of our most skilled soccer players, don’t have the rhythm to defend the way the coach wants.

When looking the forwards options, with Justin Braun with a mild injury, Andrew Wegner absent and Fucito traded we might see Eddy Sebrango playing at least 10 min tomorrow.

Here a video after the training.

401 Derby - Montreal vs Toronto - Impact needs small tweaks

It is frustrating to still wait for our first win in the league. It is something we have to deal with and a chapter we have to close as soon as possible. 

As I said in previous posts, Montreal is not playing bad football, unfortunately highlights don't show it, but Impact's midfield really looks good many times during a game and that is something I enjoy. 

Salt Lake is one of the most feared team in the league, especially at home and I expected my team, after losing two road games in a row, to play the counter attack and defend most of the game. This did not happen and this is why my first tweet after the game was: "wow my team has a hell of a character". Montreal played all game like a veteran team in the league with enough potential to play face to face the 2009 MLS Cup winners and 2011 Concacaf champions league finalists, sharing possession of the ball in half (51% vs 49%) allowing only 1 goal (penalty kick). 

It is all about the attitude and this is where I give lots of credit to Jessee Marsch. Good evidence of this is pulling one defender to add one forward in the last 15min, by the way I loved that. 

The problem comes when the team have the ball and don't have the means to score a goal. The first to blame is Justin Braun and the second is the blind faith the coach has on him. This kid, because his conditions, could be useful in a counter attack strategy but not if Montreal attacks as a block like they usually have done. Braun, unable to hold the ball in his feet, basically stopped every move going forward.

I also have doubts about the defensive positioning of our left back Josh Gardner. Two games in a row he's been caught giving opponent forwards lots of space to create and also being vulnerable to the first fake. This is something I would pay attention since having Tyson Wahl as option giving Shaver Thomas the chance to repeat in the lineup to start gaining confidence as well. 

Against Toronto, a team that has good offensive pace but currently not the best defense this would be my starting lineup. 

Ricketts - Brovsky - Ferrari - Thomas - Wahl - Arnaud - Bernier - Felipe - Warner - Mapp - Wegner.

This way Felipe can contribute more in the attack and double pivot Bernier-Warner would free up Mapp and Arnaud from defensive chores. 

I really like this rivalry, just the fact this red jersey guys are walking around in St-Catherine street with they attitude piss me off. Lets beat the reds and send them home!

See you guys tomorrow!

Montreal fans are being tested, We are ok!

Between bad referee calls, lack of finishing on the attack and silly errors on defense Montreal Impact fans are being tested on how to handle the start of this expansion season.   


Besides how frustrating can it be, Montreal is not playing bad football.


In this modern era of physical, fast and athletic football where results are more important than the game itself, the ability to create scoring opportunities as a priority has become one of the scarcest resources in the sport. 


Currently Montreal Impact is 2nd best in the league on Shots on Goal and Total Shots behind Sporting Kansas City which is the only team in MLS still unbeaten. The Impact (25 shots on goal) currently triples what Vancouver (7) or Toronto (7) have done and doubles Chivas USA (10) and Philadelphia (11) in the same category. This is pretty good! 


This make us appreciate what Jesse Marsch is doing. The coach is really building a personality in this team and even if they are playing away against one of the powers of the league the strategy remains the same. The most difficult is being made which is "creating scoring opportunities". 


Maybe yes, the coach can be blamed for not adding an extra midfield against NY and avoid the 5 goals. But damn we really enjoyed the first half! with Montreal outplaying the RedBulls in their fancy arena. I am sure this will cause Marsch to add an extra midfield tonight against Real Salt Lake and avoid another rally that, yes, at the end hurt us the morale. This guy most probably will be Collen Warner which might pair up very good with Bernier, who played an excellent game in NY, and it might free up Felipe a little on the creation side. Me, as long as Justin Mapp and Matteo Ferrari are playing I have no problem to tweak a little the rest of the lineup. A good 4-2-3-1 might do the job. 


We have to be patient, our coach has the best intentions to build this team correctly and I am sure it will bring the best results in the mid-long term. 


So don't go to bed early tonight because game starts at 9pm on TVA Sports.