Matchday #14: Crew SC host Montreal with hopes of regaining momentum

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]olumbus Crew SC will look to regain momentum later tonight as the Black and Gold host Montreal Impact at MAPFRE Stadium. But with injuries and missing players mounting up, how will Crew SC fare?

What to expect from Montreal Impact

Projected Starting XI (4-5-1) GK-Bush; D-Toia, Ciman, Lefèvre, Oyongo; M- Bernier, Mallace, Alexander, Piatti, Romero; F-McInerney

Standings:  9^th, Eastern Conference, 16 points

Form:  L-W-W-L-W, 9 points

Winners of three of out its last four matches, the Impact looks to build on its recent success and collect three points on the road in Columbus. Coming off an impressive 2-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, IMFC won the possession battle and were able to get its top playmakers involved throughout the match. The Bleu-Blanc-Noir’s ability to penetrate Crew SC’s back line will greatly depend on the performance of midfielder Ignacio Piatti. Netting two goals in last season’s home match at Stade Saputo, the Argentine also leads IMFC on the 2015 campaign in goals, assists, and shots on goal.

Crew SC midfield duo Tony Tchani and Mohammed Saeid will have a key battle against Piatti and Andrés Romero. When opposing defenses are vulnerable on counter-attacks, Montreal forward Jack McInerney thrives off opportunities to finish in the final third. An opening tally in the first half by Montreal’s point man would give tons of confidence to a club that has not yielded a win on the road, much less at MAPFRE Stadium.

Off the bench for IMFC, Frank Klopas has options on the attack with ex-Crew SC forward Dominic Oduro. Known for his quickness and ability to fire shots on goal, don’t be surprised if the Ghanaian will be eager to make an impact in response to infamous “Columbus Reject!” chants from the Nordecke faithful.

What to expect from Columbus Crew SC

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1):  GK -Clark; D- Jiménez, Parkhurst, Pogatetz, Francis; M- Tchani, Saeid; Finlay, Higuain, Meram; F- Kamara

Standings:  5^th, Eastern Conference, 16 points

Form: W-L-T-T-L , 5 points

Coming off a 3-0 shutout at Philadelphia, Crew SC returns home to MAPFRE Stadium in the midst of a tough road stretch, where the Black & Gold remain winless in the 2015 MLS regular season. Conceding late equalizers, not converting chances in the final third, and defensive miscues, Gregg Berhalter’s squad has seen enough on film and is more urgent than ever to cash in a three-point result at MAPFRE Stadium. And what better way to it against an opponent that has not fared well at Crew SC’s home fortress. Heading into tonight’s match against Montreal, Crew SC holds a perfect 5-0-0 home mark against the Impact as well as a plus-eight home goal differential.

Kei Kamara remains of the league’s top finishers, leading the MLS with 10 goals. Opting to rest the Sierra Leonean last match, Berhalter will need top form from Kamara to put constant pressure on Montreal keeper Matt Bush. Especially from set pieces and corners, Crew SC’s Federico Higuain remains one of the league’s best facilitators at picking apart poorly organized walls and missed defensive assignments. Establishing a physical presence yet not committing poor challenges by the Impact defense will allow them to neutralize the Argentine and rhythm of the Black & Gold attack.

Working up the pitch sidelines, Waylon Francis and Hector Jiménez will need to establish consistent possession on the flanks to facilitate the short-passing tactics favored by Crew SC. For large stretches of the second half against Philadelphia, Crew SC’s back four was exploited by a potent Union counter-attack. By eliminating unnecessary defensive miscues, passing lanes open in the midfield to give players like Ethan Finlay well-timed runs into the attacking half. Usually playing the short-option to his defenders, Columbus keeper Steve Clark will need top-notch communication from centerback Emmanuel Pogatetz.

Predictions

The battle at the midfield will determine who dictates the offensive tempo throughout large stretches of the match, including creating quality chances in the final third. On paper, Crew SC ranks second in the MLS in passing accuracy as well as chances created per match (11.2). When Finlay and Meram create open space on the attack, the Black & Gold find the back of the net. Ignacio Piatti will look to impose his will early to maintain possession for Montreal in the first half. Whether it be one goal or two, I predict IMFC will take the early lead at MAPFRE in the first half with a 1-0 lead heading into the dressing room. Fired up by a less than happy Nordecke section at half-time, Crew SC will come out of the dressing room with a Kamara equalizer off the head in the first five minutes. With a few defensive substitutions to preserve the tie, Crew SC’s Higuain will send MAPFRE Stadium into pandemonium from a set-piece opportunity just outside the 18 yard line.

Columbus Crew SC – 2Montreal Impact – 1