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Houston Dynamo vs Montreal Impact Game Preview: 3 questions with DynamoTheory

2013-06-18T12:43:55Z

Coach Marco's men still hold the top spot in the East by one point (and 3 games in hand) over the New York Red Bulls but they will have to make sure to never repeat that awful performance again.

Suspended for the game against Columbus, Marco Schallibaum will return to the sidelines and will have some major decisions to make. With Nesta's return from suspension, who goes to the bench?

Will Collen Warner get another chance after 2 subpar performances recently? Will Felipe be moved back into a central midfield role, perhaps allowing Blake Smith to get his first start? Does Andrea Pisanu get reinserted to the lineup? Daniele Paponi or Andrew Wenger?

At the end of the day, Schallibaum has a great problem on his hands and the pressure is on him to make the right choices. The Impact are one of the MLS' best but they need to play well every single game and gain as many points as possible or there may be trouble in the long run.

To help you get ready for the Dynamo game, Mount Royal Soccer has invited Stephen of Dynamo Theory', the SBNation Houston Dynamo website, to give you the inside edge on Wednesday's enemy!

Houston are tied for the 3rd best defence in the MLS with only 14 goals allowed in 14 games. What are the reasons for such great success so far?

The Houston defense is always something that seems to be reliable. I think the secret to the success year after year is what Dominic Kinnear expects of his players. It doesn't matter who you are or what position you play, Kinnear expects you to shut down opponents. If a player is not willing to play this type of game, he won't last long in Kinnear's system.

It should be noted though that both Corey Ashe and Kofi Sarkodie have been excellent on the left and the right, respectively. Their ability to play their defensive positions so well and be quick enough to help provide an offensive spark from the back has been especially a bright spot for the Dynamo this season.

More: Houston Dynamo vs Montreal Impact: Behind Enemy Lines with Mount Royal Soccer

Does Houston have what it takes to be a true contender for the MLS Cup? What upgrades should the front office be trying to make?

Based on where Houston is right now, I'd definitely say they would be an MLS Cup contender if the playoffs started today. This is a team that is built with big games in mind and team that has proven they can be a contender no matter what place in the standings they enter the playoffs in.

As you mentioned, Houston's defense has been solid and I would expect that to continue on through the year. Additionally, the Dynamo offense could even get a spark with Omar Cummings coming back from injury and a possible late season return from Calen Carr. Many people have forgotten about Cummings, but this could turn out to be the X-factor in 2013 if he lives up to the expectations that Kinnear has for him.

Follow @GioSardo || Follow @MtRoyalSoccer

Who is your most MVP so far this season? Most underrated player? Why?

For me, the Dynamo MVP is Giles Barnes. I think when Kinnear brought in Omar Cummings, he had a plan of a Bruin/Cummings tandem but that hasn't worked out just yet. Take Calen Carr out of the equation and suddenly as the season approached the Dynamo were in a bit of a predicament in terms of offensive production. Cam Weaver and Brian Ching would have been capable starters, but definitely wouldn't have provided the spark Houston would need to compete.

Enter Barnes, who has suddenly revived his career, which is exactly what he came to MLS and Houston to do. He's slotted into the forward role, but has been given the freedom to roam around which is something he feeds off of.

If Cummings returns to form and breaks into the starting lineup (which I expect he'll do eventually), I think Barnes will move into a attacking midfield role which could be even more of an impact on Houston's offensive production.

BONUS QUESTION: One year after the whole Montreal Impact - Brian Ching - Retirement - Houston Dynamo saga... How has Ching's season been so far? Will it be his last?

In all honesty, Ching's season has been good. He's doing exactly what he's been expected to do as he's transitioned into the late sub role. He's no longer able to start every match and play 90 minutes, but he's out there making a substantial impact when he's on the field.

Additionally, he's also officially been given a player/assistant coach title and has been a huge influence to the younger guys on the team. I'm sure the title has more to do about allocation of his salary in terms of the salary cap, but it's also a sign that a full transition is near. I do believe 2013 will be Ching's last on the field, but he'll be orange forever. Fans are eager to see how he'll transition into a front office role next year.

Potential formation and starting XI:

4-4-3 formation with Tally Hall; Kofi Sarkodie, Jermaine Taylor, Bobby Boswell, Corey Ashe; Warren Creavalle, Ricardo Clark, Andrew Driver; Giles Barnes, Will Bruin, Jason Johnson

Prediction on final score:

I think the Dynamo, who are unbeaten in four road matches, walk away with a 2-1 win on Wednesday. Just for fun, I think Ching gets the winner.

MLS Transfer Window Coming Up Fast: Are the Montreal Impact Sellers , Buyers or Both On July 9th

2013-06-18T00:25:43Z

The Montreal Impact started the 2013 season pre-season with a rested squad and a core of players that played together. Starting the 2013 season with 2012 mid-season signings Marco Di Vaio and Alessandro Nesta partly explains the successful start of the season. Some key experienced new signings in 2013 contributed to this success including Andrea Pisanu, Andres Romero and of course Marco Schallibaum. The Swiss head coach has brought a new mentality to the club while enjoying the chemistry within the core group of players from 2012.

A few weeks away from the official opening from the international transfer window, the Montreal Impact do not necessarily need a big time signing. But with a strong record of 8-3-2, the club might see fit to sign a core player without worrying of breaking up a strong chemistry. Recurring injuries for some and sub-par performances for others might trigger a big signing while taking advantage of a winning momentum. There isn't a better time to insert new players while soaking up the shiny warm sun of victory.

Having shown the guts to sign Marco Di Vaio as the club's Designated Player, Montreal could definitely go for another big signing if the opportunity rises. Money is not an issue but the business saavy Joey Saputo will not splurge just to splurge.

Not usually taking the route of MLS trades, the Impact have shown to get great value when they do, when you think of the Donovan Ricketts - Troy Perkins trade last season. Already maxed out on international spots, signing an international player might seem tricky but trade baits are available. That includes Sanna Nyassi, Collen Warner and Calum Mallace. Not that the first two have not been good soldiers for the club, you must give something to get something. Whereas for Mallace, the young player has not played a lot but still has some value as young defensive midfielder with underrated passing skills and good vision.

On the other hand, the Impact is light on efficient depth players and trading away assets is a risk. Actually, the club might need more experienced players but that don't fit the classic experienced but older soldier. I definitely do not believe the Impact can keep up the pace of staying on top of the Eastern Conference with this current squad. Not for a lack talent but the grueling MLS summer months are key and other ''losing'' clubs are getting back to winning, including the Columbus Crew and the Chicago Fire.

Do you think the Montreal Impact need to make a move during the international transfer window? Where does the club need more help? Is Andrea Pirlo your only hope at this point ?

Tell me your thoughts on what might happen during the upcoming weeks for the Montreal Impact, as per the transfer market.

Montreal Impact shutdown by the Columbus Crew: Ohio Blues at Hostile Crew Stadium

2013-06-16T23:26:55Z

A 2-week break should have rested an older experienced Montreal Impact squad. But it also made them rusty as Les Bleus de Montreal faced a desperate Columbus Crew team. The Crew were coming off recent bad results but the desperation to win took over as Columbus eased its way to a 2-0 win at home.

Early in the game, Matias Sanchez gets a loose ball after Dominic Oduro is fouled. Right outside the box, Sanchez picks up the loose ball and unleashes a low shot that is deflected by Jeb Brovsky. The deflection beat Troy Perkins , who anticipated the initial shot, and it's 1-0 for the Crew at the 6th minute.

Alert after being scored on early, the Montreal Impact almost got scored on by the Crew via Dominic Oduro. The Ghanean had his close range shot saved by Troy Perkins. The initial gorgeous cross came from Federico Higuain.

A few minutes later, Andrew Wenger received a precise pass from Patrice Bernier to only see his powerful shot kicked away by Andy Gruenebaum kick.

Call it a bad play, laziness or a lack of concentration but the Crew's 2nd goal hurt and probably killed any hope the Impact had for a comeback. Oduro steals the ball in midfield after Collen Warner's loses the ball too easily. A streaking Oduro picks up speed ,as he always does, and beats Troy Perkins to his left with a low shot.

One could say that the game was pretty much done then. Right before half-time, Andrew Wenger stole the ball from Chad Marschall and headed towards the box. His 1-on-1 was being setup perfectly as he froze Gruenebaum on a strong shot that went wide. It was probably the goal that Montreal needed to get back into the game

But the Impact pressed even more in the second half but the Crew got the most dangerous chances. Between an Oduro parried volley and a Higuain lob attempt, the game started to dwindle down without really having any rhythm or life to it; at least for the Impact.

The Montreal Impact is still on top of the Eastern Conference with 26 points and 3 games on hand on the New York Red Bulls. Those game in hands are so important to continue winning. The summer months of MLS are when you make or break your season aka the MLS Playoffs.

Back home at Stade Saputo, Montreal faces the Houston Dynamo that might be without Oscar Boniek, who was injured during World Cup qualifiers for Honduras. Games against the Dynamo are never drama-free and usually very physical. At this point, the Impact needs to do what it has been doing best:

Stay Pragmatic and Win.

Mount Royal Soccer and CJAD800 AM: #TurbanGate Edition

2013-06-14T12:51:41Z

The Montreal Impact are back in MLS action this weekened against the Columbus Crew in Ohio. After a 2-week break, Les Bleus de Montreal will try to continue its winning momentum. But it was not a quiet 2-week period in the soccer realm of Quebec. #TurbanGate has taken over the media's attention for the wrong reasons.

photo credit : www.cjad.com

Giovanni Sardo writes:

The turban ban that they have put in place is sending the wrong message to our kids and to our society.

Follow @Sofiane_Benzaza on Twitter | Follow @GioSardo on Twitter

Sofiane Benzaza writes:

After time to think it over calmly, the QSF stood its ground, proving to be neutral and not influenced by any political agenda. I am adding the #sarcasm just in case it gets lost in translation

Follow @RickMoffat on Twitter | Follow @GrantNeedham on Twitter

Don't forget to tune in to CJAD 800AM during half-time as Sofiane, Giovanni, Rick and Grant join forces as the#SoccerGangOf4 , during home games at Stade Saputo.

Follow @CJAD800

Montreal Impact vs Columbus Crew Game Preview: 3 Questions with A.J. Jobe

2013-06-14T12:36:49Z

Heading into this matchup, the Impact sit in first place in the East, one little point ahead of the New York Energy Drinks but with four games in hand. The Crew are on the outside looking in. They sit in 7^th place in the East, trailing SKC by 5 points for the final ticket to the postseason dance.

Coach Marco does have some big lineup decisions to make heading into this matchup:

Daniele Paponi is back from injury and ready to play. He should return to the starting lineup next to Marco Di Vaio. This means that Andrew Wenger, who has played well recently, will return to the bench as a substitute.
Alessandro Nesta is suspended after having headbutted SKC's Claudio Bieler. Hassoun Camara will probably move into middle to partner with Matteo Ferrari.
Dennis Iapichino is uncertain to play after having picked up a knock in training. If he is unable to go, Jeb Brovsky will probably start on the left side with Karl Ouimette getting a start on the right side.

To help get you ready for this game, Mount Royal Soccer has asked A.J. Jobe, Columbus correspondent for the Around The League Soccer podcast, to give us an inside look at this week's enemy.

Which Columbus Crew players have been named on the All Star Game ballot? Out of those players, which ones actually stand a chance of making the team?

Columbus has 4 active players on the All-Star ballot. Andy Gruenebaum, Chad Marshall, Federico Higuain and Dominic Oduro all find themselves in contention to be selected against AS Roma. In reality, even though Oduro has scored more goals, the only player that has a chance to make this team is Higuain. Marshall has been recovering from an injury and Gruenebaum hasn't performed to the standards he set for himself in 2012. Higuain is easily the Crew's best player and has the ability to control the ball in the center of the park, drawing extra defenders and thus creating space for players around him. Even with Columbus's struggles, it would be surprising to not see Higuain selected to represent the Crew in Kansas City.

The Crew currently sit 7th in the East. They are 5 points away from SKC who currently hold the final playoffs spot. Last season, the Crew just missed out on the postseason dance by 1 point. How real are the Crew's playoff chances or is the team headed for another heartbreak finish?

The Crew's playoff chances are slipping away very quickly in an Eastern conference that has improved immensely. Crew General Manager Mark McCullers is adamant in his stance that Columbus has the talent to challenge for a title, but we have yet to see that talent shine through. I believe the team is actually a player or two away from having the personnel to contend for the playoffs and with the season-ending injury to Eddie Gaven, the outlook is not improving. The Crew lack a big striker to hold the ball up top and this is a huge problem. Opposing teams need only to get physical with the Columbus forwards to make the Crew attack fall to pieces. The club says that they are in the market for an attacking player but if they cannot make multiple changes to this team in the near future they will dig themselves a hole that might be too steep to climb out of.

Federico Higuain and Jairo Arrieta don't seem to be having the same impact as last season. Were they just a flash in the pan or will they return to that dominant form of 2012?

Federico Higuain and Jairo Arrieta have amazing talent that could rival most players in Major League Soccer, but at the moment they are expected to carry this offense and it is simply too much to ask. Arrieta doesn't have the physicality to play as a lone-striker in this league and that has where he has found himself more often than not. Higuain seems to become frustrated when things start to go wrong in the match and tries too hard to take the game over himself. It is hard to blame him however, as the midfield is non-existent in Columbus right now. The most effective midfielder that the Crew have had this season is Dominic Oduro and he is a striker that they have placed in the right midfield spot because nobody else has stepped up to prove that they can handle the position. Crew fans are wondering if the team's struggles are a personnel problem that can be rectified in the summer transfer window or if these issues stem from Robert Warzycha's system. Fans have started to protest against Coach Warzycha and rest assured that if things don't turn around quickly, the call to fire the manager will become much louder.

SCOUTING REPORT: Who should the Montreal Impact fear the most on game day and why?

Montreal need to look no further than Federico Higuain to find the player that they need to focus on to ensure success in Columbus. If Montreal can shut down Higuain's passing lanes early and score before the Crew you will see Higuain become frustrated. Once frustrated, Higuain refuses to pass the ball as frequently and will take long distance shots that have no hope of beating a goalkeeper like Perkins. If Montreal is in control of the match after an hour of play the Crew attack will take itself out of the game.

Starting XI (with formation)

4-5-1

Gruenebaum,

Williams, Marshall, Glauber, Wahl

Oduro, Tchani, Sanchez, Higuain, Speas

Arrieta

Final score prediction

2-0 Montreal. The Crew's struggles at home will continue against a Montreal side that, quite frankly, is more talented and managed more effectively.

Black, Blanc, Beur : Mais que fait l'Impact de Montréal pour les communautés culturelles de Montréal

2013-06-12T20:36:50Z

L'Impact de Montréal a accueilli mardi après-midi le Regroupement des jeunes chambres de commerce du Québec (RJCCQ). Parmi les invités, étaient présents des membres de la Jeune chambre de commerce française au Canada, l'Association des jeunes professionnels chinois, la Jeune chambre commerce haïtienne, la chambre de commerce latino-américaine du Québec, le Congrès maghrébin au Québec et le Réseau des entrepreneurs et professionnels africains .

Je voudrais remercier Sydney d'AfrokanLife et collegue de Soccer Sans Frontieres davoir recueilli les commentaires des joueurs et de Richard Legendre durant cette journee multi-culturelle au Stade Saputo

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Richard Legendre, vice-président exécutif de l'Impact de Montréal, a été l'hôte de ce rassemblement multiculturel afin de continuer à établir et renforcer des liens entre le club et un public montréalais multiculturel.

Le melting pot que représente Montréal n'est rien de nouveau ni pour le club ni pour ses résidents. Utilisant la carte du Soccer/Football, l'Impact de Montréal tente de briser la glace avec le Montréal ethnique, peut-on même dire le Montréal moderne.

On veut que les différentes communautés culturelles de Montréal suivent le foot d'ici- Richard Legendre - VP exec. Impact de Montréal

Les Italiens sont "In The Pocket" mais le reste?

Il y a évidemment un gain économique, marketing et de visibilité pour l'Impact de rassembler une foule représentative de la Ville dans les estrades du Stade Saputo. Certaines de ces communautés l'appellent Soccer, mais beaucoup l'appellent Football ou Foot.

Cette culture foot est un héritage reçu et transmis via les différentes communautés ethniques de Montréal.

La communauté italienne est une communauté influente avec une passion du football assez présente. L'influence italienne de l'Impact de Montréal est assez claire et évidente. Mais cette culture footballistique vient avec une envie de gagner et une structure assez européenne qui mise sur le talent avant tout.

La détection de ce talent commence au niveau de l'académie, vantée par Patrice Bernier qui brise le mythe de l'image du club fermé

Patrice Bernier

Si tu regardes dans le passé, c'est facile à comprendre. Mais avec la formule de l'académie, qui est nouvelle, c'est quelque chose auquel, il faut s'habituer. Ce n'est pas comme avant, quand tu arrives directement dans l'équipe, si tu as du talent. Il y a une formation pour devenir un professionnel.

Il y a beaucoup de jeunes dans l'académie, qui sont issus [des communautés ethniques]. On a signé Zakaria Messoudi et il y en d'autres qui sont québécois de souches. Mais il yen a beaucoup d'autres qui sont d'origine haïtienne ou africaine et qui sont dans l'académie.

Tout ça est nouveau et c'est la transition de comprendre que c'est plus comme avant [...] ou tu ne pouvais pas arriver à l'Impact de Montréal. Si tu as le talent, ton nom va arriver aux oreilles de l'Impact.

Un joueur qui s'y connait très bien en intégration et communauté est le latéral droit de l'Impact : Jeb Brovsky.

" Empowering youth through peaceful action " est la devise de Peace Pandemic , dont Jeb Brovsky est le fondateur et président.

Jeb Brovsky

It takes us players to get involved, going into the communities [...] . It's got to be almost selective when you go into an area and really spread the game and let the game speak for itself.

We have enough passionate guys in this team. If you go to the community and show our passion to the game, I think children will rally around. and no matter what culture they are in, children will say '' wow , that is a guy who is very passionate about he does''

It's got to be a give and take with us, the players and the staff. We have to take on ourselves to be responsible for this initiative. We can just let everyone in the office take care of this. This has to be something that has to be hands-on.

Événements à suivre

Le 7 juillet 2013 aura lieu une journée multiculturelle au Stade Saputo en ouverture du match contre le Chivas USA. Un festival de nourriture et de musique des différentes communautés sera au menu pour cette journée.

Une session de réseautage sera organisée au Stade Saputo par le RJCCQ, lors de son prochain match le mercredi 19 juin, contre le Houston Dynamo.

Un rappel aussi que les U21 de l'Impact de Montréal affronteront l'équipe nationale d'Haïti, le samedi 22 juin à 19 h 30, au Stade Saputo, dans le cadre d'un match amical.

Joey Saputo reacts on #TurbanGate between the Quebec Soccer Federation and the Canadian Soccer Federation

2013-06-11T16:11:58Z

Joey Saputo released ,via the Montreal Impact Media , a short press release conveying his feelings and comments about the rift between the Canadian Soccer Association and the Quebec Soccer Federation over the ban of players wearing the Sikh Turban.

The infamous #turbangate has put the province of Quebec and Canadian Soccer on the World Soccer Map for the wrong reasons. In the previous week, the Quebec Soccer Federation banned the use of turbans in sanctionned games, something that did not go unnoticed.

The CSA suspended the provincial federation until the ban is reversed, after previsouly asking to reverse the QSF decision. The CSA cited the fact that it did not ban the wear of turbans in the following statement.

The Canadian Soccer Association has requested on 6 June that the Quebec Soccer Federation reverse its position on turbans/patkas/keski with no resolution," said Victor Montagliani, President of the Canadian Soccer Association, following the Board of Directors meeting. "The Quebec Soccer Federation's inaction has forced us to take measures in order to ensure soccer remains accessible to the largest number of Canadians."
The suspension will be lifted once the Canadian Soccer Association receives demonstration that the Quebec Soccer Federation has lifted the ban and applies satisfactorily the Canadian Soccer Association's policy in the matter.

Joey Saputo reacted on the Montreal Impact website in the press release below.

DÉCLARATION DU PRÉSIDENT DE L'IMPACT DE MONTRÉAL JOEY SAPUTO

Personnellement, je pense qu'on ne devrait pas empêcher un enfant de jouer au soccer au niveau mineur parce qu'il porte un turban. Toutefois, je comprends la décision de la Fédération de soccer du Québec qui a été prise selon un règlement de la FIFA, qui laissait place à interprétation. Les commentaires accusant la fédération de racisme sont déplacés compte-tenu du contexte dans lequel la fédération a dû naviguer. L'Association canadienne de soccer a fait une recommandation et n'a pas statué précisément sa position auprès des fédérations provinciales. Par ailleurs, la décision de l'Association canadienne de suspendre la fédération est donc nettement exagérée. Toutes les instances en cause doivent trouver un terrain d'entente pour le bien du sport.

MLS All-Star Fan Ballots Is Open: Marco Di Vaio and Patrice Bernier among 6 Montreal Impact Players eligible

2013-06-10T23:56:41Z

Troy Perkins, Matteo Ferrari, Felipe Martins, Patrice Bernier, Justin Mapp and Marco Di Vaio are among the 6 eligible Montreal Impact players for fan voting for the 2013 MLS All Star Game. Who among the 6, if any, will be voted on to face the Serie A side, AS Roma.

The debates have already started on twitter with the inclusion of Felipe Martins' name on the list. The Brazilian has been playing better lately but is a shadow of his 2012 version.

The selection process for the 2013 MLS All Star Game goes as follows (via MLSSoccer.com)

Fans can choose from a pool of 115 players, who were nominated by members of the media.

The 10 players with the highest combined votes from the three traditional voting methods will be named to the All-Star Fan XI.

The 11th player - a forward - will be decided after the general voting window closes on July 2, as part of what is called the AT&T MLS All-Star "In the Game" Challenge. Among remaining forwards on the ballot, the player with whom fans score the most goals in EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer 13 Ultimate Team from July 3-July 10 will be named to the Fan XI.

The first 10 players voted to the Fan XI will be announced on Sunday, July 7, on ESPN during halftime of the Chicago Fire-Sporting Kansas City match that kicks off at 3 p.m. ET. The AT&T MLS All-Star "In the Game" Forward will be unveiled on July 11, after the play-in period finishes.

The rest of the MLS All-Star team will be selected by the coach, Sporting KC's Peter Vermes, and MLS Commissioner Don Garber, who is allotted two Commissioner picks each year.

Vermes will select the gameday roster and starting XI for the July 31 match at Sporting Park in Kansas City (9 p.m. ET | ESPN2 and Unimas in the US | TSN and RDS in Canada).