Match Summary:
With a game in hand over the New York Red Bulls, the Montreal Impact currently sit at 27 points (five points behind them in the Eastern Conference standings for the final playoff spot). The New York Red Bulls have an outstanding 5-2-1 record against the Montreal Impact, but their 1-2-1 away record proves their past struggles as they head to Stade Saputo in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Designated Player Impact
Coming off of a Saturday record scoring day in Major League Soccer with 39 goals, this match is an anticipation for more excitement. MLS just broke an average attendance record of around 21,184. This could be thanks to the league drawing attention as baseball is the only major American sport available during the summer. However, the key signings being made by clubs is brewing interest into the league.
The addition of Shaun Wright-Phillips, brother of Red Bulls star and defending MLS top goal scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips, has created an impact with Shaun assisting Bradley's fourth goal in his last five on his debut. The Red Bulls are riding a three game winning streak, including winning five of the last six.
On the other hand, the Montreal Impact made significant moves of their own. The club brought in Chelsea and Barclays Premier League legend Didier Drogba, who although is already riding what is believed to be the final stint of his career is a great leader and mentor for the rest of the squad. Impact also cleared up cap space after trading Jack McInerney to the Columbus Crew for a second-round draft pick.
The Montreal Impact also just secured their second consecutive win after defeating a confident New York City Football Club side 3-2 that has the talents of David Villa, Frank Lampard, and Andrea Pirlo within their grasp. Argentine Ignacio Piatti has five goals in his last six matches while also leading his side with four assists
Match Facts (WhoScored.com/MLS):
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in five of New York's last six away games in Major League Soccer.
Montreal have won six of their last seven home matches in Major League Soccer.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 15 of Montreal's last 17 games in Major League Soccer.
The last Montréal win in the series was a 1-0 win at Stade Saputo in the first meeting in 2013.
The Red Bulls have come away with points on two of their three trips to Montréal all-time, including a 2-2 draw in last year’s lone meeting in Québec. They won at Olympic Stadium in 2012. The Red Bulls have won all four league meetings lifetime at Red Bull Arena, though the teams reached a 1-1 draw in CONCACAF Champions League group play last year in Harrison.
Prediction:
Didier Drogba will not be a part of the squad for the match, but Montreal Impact have enough firepower to do without him. Impact have home field advantage with the Red Bulls also not being historically great in Montreal. Nevertheless, the Red Bulls also have been extremely hot. Both sides could draw upon the scoring surge of the past weekend.
New York Red Bulls 3-2 Montreal Impact