A last chapter to write for Impact in 2017

Photo: Graham Hughes The canadian Press
The head coach of the Montreal Impact, Mauro Biello

The Impact players argue that they did not need a source of motivation for the game on Sunday, in Toronto.

Even if montreal is already eliminated from the playoffs and that the WCC will celebrate its title in the regular season, we can expect a match full of emotions because this will be the last chapter of the derby of the 401 in 2017.

The Impact (11-15-6) has only one victory in its last eight games (1-7-0), but this victory was gained in Toronto on September 20 by a score of 5-3. For its part, the Toronto FC (19-5-8) will celebrate before the meeting his conquest of the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the champion team of the regular season in MLS. A win against the Impact would also allow the TFC to equal the record set by the Galaxy of Los Angeles, in 1998 with 68 points.

“Before a match like this one, we do not think about the ranking, said the captain of the Impact, Patrice Bernier, after the training of the team on Friday. It is a rivalry that has grown over the years. Every match is important. Them, they will remember the last result. They also have a small issue regarding a record of the league. We have a role of neglected, but we can spoil their season. It is a game to be taken seriously. “

Even a newcomer such as Blerim Dzemaili has acknowledged that he felt the rivalry between the Impact and TFC since its arrival in may. “It is one of the beautiful things of the “football,” to have rivalries like this, said the swiss international. There is nothing played, a derby is always important. “

According to Bernier, the appointment by series of the MLS of the last two campaigns have fanned the rivalry between the two teams. The Impact had taken the over on the Reds during the round of the dam in 2015, and Torontonians have had their revenge last fall by beating the Blue-white-black in the final of the Is.

“In 2015, this was their first participation in the series, and our first playoff game at home. We won 3-0, ” recalls Bernier. In the first game in 2016, you could see that the imprint was left in their head. Each game is more important, more physical and intense. “

Crépeau in front of the net

The Impact has been officially eliminated from the playoffs when the Red Bulls of New York defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-0 last Saturday. Head coach Mauro Biello has mentioned this week that some young people who have not had much game time this season might have the chance to make an impression in the course of the last two games to montreal this season.

Friday, Biello has suggested that Maxime Crépeau should get the start in front of the net on Sunday to face the Toronto FC. By contrast, others may have to wait for the appointment on 22 October against the Revolution in New-England before they have their chance.

“I’m going to mix a little. I think it is normal to have a balanced team to Toronto, a team that can play the right way, noted Biello. It is a derby. It’s a game that we take seriously. I don’t want to throw young people on the ground, this is not something that would be just to do so. “

However, it is known as forward Anthony Jackson-Hamel will miss the duel against the TFC, because of an injury to a hamstring. The midfield star Ignacio Piatti could also be absent, he who has been the victim of a hyperextension to his knee in the last game of the team, September 30, in Colorado.