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Montreal Impact: Three hopes, one fear

By Sean Maslin

Oct 23, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Montreal Impact defender Laurent Ciman (23) knocks the ball away from New England Revolution midfielder Lee Nguyen (24) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Montreal Impact defender Laurent Ciman (23) knocks the ball away from New England Revolution midfielder Lee Nguyen (24) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 16, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Impact midfielder Ignacio Piatti (right) celebrates his goal against Toronto FC with teammates during the first half at Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Impact midfielder Ignacio Piatti (right) celebrates his goal against Toronto FC with teammates during the first half at Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /

One match. That is how close the Montreal Impact came to and MLS Cup final.

Last season the Montreal Impact were within a game of becoming the first-ever Canadian side to earn a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs. A late effort from the Columbus Crew prevented the Impact from such an honor and it seems like all season the Impact (11-11-12, 45 points) have been bound and determined to rectify that wrong. That process will continue on Thursday as the Impact travel to RFK Stadium to take on D.C. United (7:30pm EST UNiMas, TSN).

One game playoff aside it would seem that the Impact would be in prime position to make the jump. With prolific goal-scorer Ignacio Piatti (17 goals in 2016), Johan Venegas, Dominic Oduro, and Laurent Ciman the Impact have the talent and the experience to run roughshod against the Eastern Conference. Despite some shall we say drama (more on that in a minute!) off the pitch this is a very dangerous side that could flip on a switch and beat the rest of the East with relative ease.

But with the fear with this side is that this drama has taken over the side and will ultimately cost them their chance at MLS Cup glory. Teams have overcome worse things en route to winning the MLS Cup (see: Beckham, David and Donovan, Landon). But it is going to be an uphill climb for the Impact.

So with that in mind let’s take a look at the three hopes and one fear of the Montreal Impact!

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