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BMO field has not been kind for the Montreal Impact as the 2012 expansion MLS club has not won once in Red territory , since joining the league. Statistical probabilities can be thrown out of the window if Montreal can break that curse. Marco Schallibaum needs his men to do so and not think about what other teams might do 24 hours later.
Since getting stomped by the Portland Timbers (4-0), Toronto FC has not conceded more than 2 goals in a game. This does not mean that Toronto FC is the cream of the crop in MLS. But when you think about it, the 3-3 tie at BMO field was closer to a shameful loss for the Impact before becoming a great comeback.
No matter what, it still was a sour moment for the Montreal Impact, even though big goals were scored. But the defensive structure of the team, not just the back four, has been sub-par at best. And this where I think that the equilibrium can shift in this game. If Montreal is not able to defend correctly as a unit, it will be difficult to get 3 points on Saturday night.
Once again, Toronto FC is far from being a decent squad. But it has enough quality players and cohesiveness to really hurt Montreal. The tactical limitation that we have seen from les Bleus has been worrisome, especially when you realize how their opponents are easily able to counter Plan A.
At this point of the season, the setting is perfect to bring out of the best of you or the worst. There is no room for in the between and I guarantee you there will be none. Between hunger and desperation, both teams have different objectives and Montreal needs to kill off any hope Toronto Fc has, early in the game.
It comes back to the typical Impact plan to score first and early in the game,specifically in the first 15-30 minutes of the game. On the other side, Montreal needs to stave off any initial attacks on its net. Without Alessandro Nesta and a injured Patrice Bernier, the side is weakened but not weak. It will be up to the 11 players on the pitch to make sure that the job gets done, no matter what, at any cost.