Bleu-blanc-noir needs three points to continue its playoff run
COMMERCE CITY, Colorado – The Montreal Impact continues its quest to qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs, this Saturday at 9pm, against the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (TVA Sports, CJAD 800).
“It will be important for us to offer a better performance than on Wednesday,” said Impact head coach Mauro Biello. “The players who will come in the lineup have to bring energy and freshness to the group. We also have to take care of the details in our game to regain our confidence.”
Must win for Montreal
Four points away from a playoff spot, the Impact can still hope to qualify for the fall tournament, but will need some help to go ahead of the New York Red Bulls, who sit sixth in the Eastern Conference standings.
“It will be a physical challenge, as we have played five games in quick succession,” mentioned midfielder Samuel Piette. “Fatigue is felt in the squad and we play in Colorado, a tough place because of the altitude. We do not have a choice but to take points, as we do not have any margin for error.”
In its last visit to Colorado, the Bleu-blanc-noir got the win, its only one against the Rapids, by a 1-0 score. A new win at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park would be a fourth one away from home in 2017, which would tie the club record in MLS.
“The spirit and the way we want to play collectively will lead us,” said defender Hassoun Camara. “We have to show our best game in Colorado. We have to pick it up and we must be ambitious on the pitch to show our supporters that our content is there and that we never give up.”
Bernier could reach another milestone
Captain Patrice Bernier could get another important milestone by becoming the second player to play 10,000 minutes with the Impact in MLS. The Quebecois will reach this mark if he spends at least 47 minutes on the field.
Midfielder and Designated Player Nacho Piatti, with a goal, would set a new personal record in MLS. He has already tied his best scoring season, with 17 goals this term.
Upcoming games
After the international break, the Impact is set for another derby against Toronto FC, at BMO Field, on Sunday, October 15, at 5pm (TVA Sports, TSN, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690). The last game of the regular season, during which captain Patrice Bernier will be saluted by the club, will take place at Stade Saputo against New England Revolution, on Sunday, October 22, at 4pm (TVA Sports, TSN, 98,5fm, CJAD 800 – TICKETS).
