• MLS, Avaya Stadium – San Jose Earthquakes 1 (Godoy 17’), Montreal Impact 0
GAME IN A SENTENCE
A listless Impact side that played a man down for the last 24 minutes struggled to create anything positive in the final third, and was lucky to lose by only one goal in their season opener.
THE NARRATIVE
Where was the attacking spirit? Where was the dynamic verve? Where was the inspiration? Where was the team that confidently brushed aside D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls, and pushed Toronto FC to the limits in last year’s playoffs? This was a dull and limp performance by the Impact, not at all reminiscent of the vibrant displays they put on down the stretch of the regular season and in the playoffs last year.
The usually influential Ignacio Piatti had a very quiet night for Montreal, as the Argentine playmaker was swarmed off the ball by the pressing Nick Lima and Tommy Thompson. The aging midfield trio of Patrice Bernier, Marco Donadel and Hernan Bernadello could not keep up with the pace of the match and San Jose’s high press. As a result, lone striker Matteo Mancosu was starved of quality service, while the Impact never capitalized on Dominic Oduro’s speed by setting him up in one-on-one situations down the flank.
Earthquakes goalkeeper David Bingham didn’t have to make a single save—that’s how ineffective Montreal was in the final third of the pitch. Really, it should have been 3-0 or 4-0 for the home side, who didn’t make the most of their scoring chances (Chris Wondowloski notably squandered two golden opportunities), but did manage to control the game and neutralize the Impact’s counter with smart possession and their systematic pressing.
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KEY MOMENT
17’ GOAL! San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 Montreal Impact 0: Montreal rode its luck early on, but its good fortune finally ran out thanks to a great effort by Anibal Godoy. Impact midfielder Patrice Bernier dawdled on the ball deep in his end, allowing Godoy to force a turnover. After poking the ball forward to Chris Wondowloski, the Panamanian continued his run, latched on to a through ball from Wondo, and beat Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush with a sublime left-footed chip shot that tucked in just below the crossbar.
TALKING POINT
What was Hassoun Camara thinking? The Impact had been outplayed for most of the match, but they showed brief hints of life midway through the second half (and they were only down a goal) when Camara picked up his second yellow card for a rash tackle on Anibal Godoy in the 66th minute. It was a reckless play by the French defender—especially as he was already on a caution—and his expulsion instantly killed any momentum Montreal had at the time.
QUICK TAKE
Montreal is now winless in its last 11 games when trailing at the half (eight losses and three draws), which serves as a bit of indictment of their style of play—sitting back, inviting their opponents to come at them, and then hitting out on the counterattack when they gain possession. The Impact seem to lack a ‘Plan B,’ or an alternative way of breaking down the opposition. Bernier told Sportsnet this week that “we have to be a lot more patient and find solutions for creating chances off of possession.” Montreal didn’t find any such solutions on this night.
STANDOUT STAT
MAN OF THE MATCH
Anibal Godoy, San Jose Earthquakes: The Panamanian showed a lot of hustle in forcing the turnover and starting the play which led to his game winner, which he took with aplomb. He worked hard in central midfield for most of the game, causing the Impact problems with his speed and deft touch. Honourable mention to Tommy Thompson.
