Every week, sportsnet.ca will talk to a member of Sportsnet’s soccer broadcast team (Craig Forrest, Paul Dolan or Gerry Dobson) specifically about one of Major League Soccer’s three Canadian clubs.
This week, sportsnet.ca chats with Gerry Dobson about the Montreal Impact, and the influence of loan signing Andres Romero.
What did you make of coach Marco Schällibaum’s decision to field a ‘B team’ in the first leg of the Canadian club championship semifinal? Do you think the subsequent fan protests and owner Joey Saputo’s comments led to him fielding a stronger side for the return fixture?
Gerry Dobson: I’m of two minds on this issue. On one hand it could be seen as disrespectful to our national championship. The message is it’s not important. On the other hand, the league has to be a priority, and in this league with small squads, small budgets and the enormous travel schedule that goes with playing in CONCACAF, it’s a burden on the franchise overall.
How does Montreal match up against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Canadian final?
Dobson: In my opinion, back to front Montreal are a better team than Vancouver right now. Their results in the league are evidence of that. It seems to me they have superior players in just about every position, especially through the middle. From Alessandro Nesta through Patrice Bernier to Marco Di Vaio, they’re simply better.
Justin Mapp is a player who divides opinion. He can be brilliant at times he also floats in and out of games and isn’t consistent. What’s your view of him?
Dobson: I like Justin Mapp. He’s a perfect MLS player in my opinion. Serviceable, fit, he works hard and for the most part gets the job done.
Montreal is fighting for first place in the very competitive Eastern Conference and there’s a growing sense they’re going to make the playoffs. Are the Impact for real? What’s been the key to their early season success?
Dobson: For sure, they are for real. The key to any team’s success in this league is getting the right players in the right positions for the right price and the Impact have done a marvelous job of that. Patrice Bernier’s play this season has been instrumental. They’ve learned how to counter attack and Bernier has been critical in that area. Other than Thierry Henry, Di Vaio might be the best pure goal scorer in MLS.
Midfielder Andres Romero has made a big impact with Montreal, much like Felipe did last season. What has the Argentine brought to the Impact this season? Do you see him staying in Montreal beyond is current loan deal or will he return to Argentina?
Dobson: Romero has filled a role nicely. The Impact have done a great job with loan deals. But it is a double edge sword. If he performs up to expectations, do you bite the bullet and open the purse strings to sign him to a permanent deal? It might be hard to part ways with him. And if he performs well, will his Argentine club want him back? I have a feeling he will stay especially if the Impact make the playoffs.
NEXT WEEK: sportsnet.ca talks to Craig Forrest about Toronto FC. Do you have a question you want to ask Craig? Send your queries to John Molinaro via Twitter and he’ll use the best one in next week’s Q&A.
