Veteran Italian striker Bernardo Corradi has started to leave his mark for the Montreal Impact, with goals in each of the club's last two games. As of now, he'll only have about two more months to contribute up top, though he hopes to extend that period for at least the rest of the season.
The 36-year-old Corradi confirmed to SBI that his deal with Montreal lasts through June 30, and that he will reassess his season-long prospects with the club during that month.
"There is no pressure, because I have a great relationship with the club and with the owner," Corradi said. "We're going to discuss if there is any chance to continue playing with them. I think it will not be a problem of money or anything. We just look at each other, we shake hands, and everything will be OK. We're going to see how it works from here to the end of June, but we're going to find a deal for sure."
Corradi, who had not played a competitive match in about 10 months prior to his Impact debut on March 17, is still working his way back into full fitness. He has started four of Montreal's last five games and has had his minutes increase in each of the last three games, though he has yet to go the full 90 in any of his starts.
"I spent the last six months (before joining Montreal) training by myself, so I think my condition is getting better and better every game," Corradi said. "I knew that from the very first game I would face some difficulties, but it's part of the game, part of soccer."
After an extensive career overseas, mostly in Serie A in his native Italy but also with stints in La Liga and the Premier League, Corradi has had to learn to adjust to MLS on the fly. In terms of meshing with the rest of the Impact attackers, that, too, is rounding into form. His two goals are most on the team, and he and the speedy Sanna Nyassi have formed a complementary tandem up top. What Corradi may lack in pace, he makes up for with wise positioning, good timing and aggressive overall play.
His goal against D.C. United Wednesday night was an example of that, as he read the defense to stay at the far post while others rushed near post and was in perfect position to head home Lamar Neagle's bending cross.
"I just joined the team one week before the league started. It's not easy to get used to knowing a new team, new teammates," Corradi said. "They have to know how you like to play, you have to know each other and it takes time."
For Corradi and the Impact, the hope is that time doesn't have a June 30 expiration date.
My initial reaction to this signing was yours — along with the reaction that he was hardly productive for a forward, no Henry or Angel history — but he is contributing to an expansion side winning points and their obligation to him appears to be for a limited time at modest cost. Just about any time they want to upgrade they probably can, no Beckham deal here.
They will probably wet their toes in the summer market, if they think they can do better they have to release someone, and if they can’t find someone they just keep him through the season and shop in the winter window.
It’s Montreal’s first year… sign a couple of has-been’s to get crowds to show in the first year.
The team isn’t exactly gunning for the playoffs.
Youre an expansion team and you sign a 36 year old to start? Does no one know how to build a team?
Old and slow.
Montreal will pick up his option. It’s either that or rely on Davie Arnaud to score all of their goals.