The Montreal Impact could’ve been susceptible to a letdown on Saturday night after an emotional Canadian Championship win on Wednesday, but that was not the case after the final whistle blew.
Mauro Biello’s men extended their winning streak in all competitions to three games with a 1-0 win over the New York Red Bulls thanks to Blerim Dzemaili’s first-career MLS strike.
Dzemaili thought he had a goal for himself in the 30th minute, but he the play was flagged for offside. Dominic Oduro, who was in an offside position, influenced the flow of play by moving in the direction of the Swiss international’s shot, disallowing the goal.
Luis Robles was next to steal a goal from the Impact in the 49th minute. Ambroise Oyongo took a heavy shot towards the upper left-side corner from outside the 18-yard box but the American netminder leaped to make the save.
The breaking of the ice finally came at the 69th minute. The Impact’s flourishing partnership between their designated players increased yet again as Ignacio Piatti and Blerim Dzemaili combined for a one-two play on the left-hand side of the box to produce the lone goal of the contest.
The Impact experienced a scary moment in stoppage time when Partice Bernier, going against Sacha Kljestan, was pushed on the sidelines and fell in the dugout. He was stretchered off an taken away by the emergency crew.
Next up for Montreal is a trip to Sporting Kansas City next Saturday, while the Red Bulls return to league action on June 18 against the Philadelphia Union.
Man of the Match
In a game that was mostly defensive, Dzemaili still managed to distance himself from the pack in central midfield. His growing partnership with Piatti showed on the game’s only goal.
Moment of the Match
The beautiful combination play between Piatti and Dzemaili broke the deadlock and extended Montreal’s winning streak, a welcome sight after an up-and-down start.
Match to Forget
Mike Grella was not as effective as Jesse Marsch would have wished. The midfielder was subbed off midway through the game after failing to make an impact.