Impact draws against D.C. United and collects eight points from six road games
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In its sixth and last consecutive road game before its home opener in Montreal, the Impact once again earned a 0-0 on enemy territory, Tuesday night at Audi Field, in Washington.
The Impact therefore concludes its first six road games to start the season with a record of two wins, two losses and two draws, for a total of eight points.
“I’m very satisfied. There were a lot of changes tonight and this was a younger team. Most of everyone on the field maintained the same rhythm for 90 minutes and the younger players were surrounded by positive leaders,” said Impact head coach Rémi Garde. “It confirms our team spirit, our rigour, and our tactical discipline after six games on the road. We could have been more consistent in our performances since the beginning of the season, but tonight, I saw men on the field.”
Four days after a scoreless draw in New York, and without Nacho Piatti (injured) and Maxi Urruti (suspended), Rémi Garde made a few changes to his starting lineup. Three players formed at the club’s Academy started in this one: midfielders Clément Bayiha and Mathieu Choinière, along with striker Anthony Jackson-Hamel. It was a first professional start for Choinière and Bayiha, as well as for defender Zachary Brault-Guillard. With Samuel Piette and Shamit Shome also on the field, there were six Canadians in the staring 11 for the game in the American capital.
In a first half with no shots on target and shared possession for both teams, the Impact was impressive and disciplined in its collective game.
Back from the locker room, in the 20 first minutes of the second half, the Montreal club took nine shots towards D.C. United’s goal. The first opportunity came from Samuel Piette’s left foot in the 53rd minute, right before Brault-Guillard’s shot was saved by Bill Hamid a minute later.
“It was a high-level performance for us tonight,” said midfielder Saphir Taïder. “We showed that we can be competitive on the road. The younger players left it all on the field. It’s satisfying for the team and the club. At the end, we have a solid record and eight points in the standings after six road games.”
“We’re happy,” said midfielder Mathieu Choinière. “We came here for points. It’s mission accomplished, we played well collectively and we got a point just like we wanted. We started things off on the right foot and left it all on the field. We played for each other.”
Evan Bush played and started his 150th game with the club in MLS, while also making his 40th consecutive start, tying a club record for goalkeepers.
Home opener at Stade Saputo this Saturday
The Impact will play its 2019 home opener on Saturday, April 13 at 1pm at Stade Saputo, against the Columbus Crew SC (TICKETS – TVA Sports, 98,5, TSN 690). Live from Stade Saputo, JiC will be broadcast on TVA and TVA Sports for a special show, from 10am to noon, in order to set the scene for the first game on Montreal soil. BMO will also be on site for the #FanFini 2019 official jersey exchange for the first 250 supporters who bring an older Impact jersey. Supporters are invited to arrive at Stade Saputo 90 minutes before kickoff for a brand-new pregame ritual during which they will be able to welcome the players in the stadium like never before.
LINE-UPS
MTL – GK-Evan Bush; D-Zachary Brault-Guillard, Zakaria Diallo, Víctor Cabrera, Daniel Lovitz; M-Samuel Piette, Shamit Shome, Saphir Taïder (Micheal Azira 80’); F-Mathieu Choinière (Harry Novillo 84’), Anthony Jackson-Hamel (Orji Okwonkwo 80’), Clément Bayiha
Subs not used – Clément Diop, Bacary Sagna, Jukka Raitala, Rudy Camacho
DCU – GK-Bill Hamid; D-Chris McCann (Lucas Rodríguez 56’), Frédéric Brillant, Leonardo Jara (Jalen Robinson 90’), Steven Birnbaum; M-Júnior Moreno, Luciano Acosta, Paul Arriola, Russell Canouse, Zoltán Stieber (Quincy Amarikwa 64’); F-Ulises Segura
Subs not used – Chris Seitz, Akeem Ward, Donovan Pines, Chris Durkin
CAUTIONS
DCU – Arriola 27’
DCU – Jara 40’
MTL – Shome 49’
MTL – Taïder 62’
