Montreal Impact Defeat FC Dallas 2-1

On Saturday night, the Montreal Impact put in a solid performance knocking off the top team in the MLS, FC Dallas 2-1. It is the first time that the Impact have won two games in a row going back to August 2013. FC Dallas had not lost in six matches going into Saturday night, making the win for the Impact even sweeter. The victory sees the Impact move out of the basement of the MLS for the first time in what seems forever.

Quick Out of the Gate:

With the Injury to Dominic Oduro, Jack McInerney saw a return to the starting eleven. Saturday night also saw newcomer Ambroise Oyongo make his first start for the Impact. The Impact started the game with lots of confidence after putting four goals past Real Salt Lake last weekend. Just five minutes into the game Ignacio Piatti pushed a shot just wide after skipping past three FC Dallas defenders. The positive play from the Impact would pay off in the 25th-minute as Andres Romero was brought down in the box leading to a Montreal penalty. Piatti stepped up to the spot for the second time in as many weeks, however this time he did not miss.

Better Start to the Second Half:

"The goals we scored were fantastic combination plays and the way we moved the ball was really good." - Frank Klopas

The second half has been the Achillies' heel for the Impact this season, however Saturday night was different as Montreal continued their positive play. A nice combination play between Piatti and McInerney in the 50th-minute lead to the second goal of the night for Montreal. It was a sweet finish from Jack McInerney who had appeared unhappy with his playing time earlier in the week. FC Dallas pulled one back in the 77th-minute as Matt Hedges pounced on a rebound to bring the team from Texas back into the game.

Evan Bush to the Rescue:

"We needed [Bush] to make that critical save and that's what you expect from your keeper" - Frank Klopas

The last ten minutes of the game started to slip away from the Impact and saw FC Dallas come close on a number of occasions. Evan Bush was called on a number of times and made one spectacular save late in the contest to secure the three points for Montreal. Although Bush had a relatively quiet evening up until the last ten minutes he had to be ready when called upon and he was.

That was a fun one tonight. Nice to put together back to back wins for first time in a while. Things trending up in Montreal!

— Evan Bush (@ebushel1) May 24, 2015

Whats Next for the Impact?

Montreal will return to MLS play next Saturday as they travel to Chicago to take on the Fire. The Fire sit just three points above the Impact in the standings so making up ground on them will be important as they fight their way back into a playoff spot. With so many games in hand on other teams in the East and some momentum, the Impact will want to take advantage of their upcoming schedule.

Game Statistics and Quotes Courtesy of the Montreal Impact:

LINEUPS

MTL - GK-Evan Bush; D-Eric Miller (Donny Toia 36'), Laurent Ciman, Bakary Soumare, Ambroise Oyongo; M-Marco Donadel (Eric Alexander 68'),  Calum Mallace, Dilly Duka, Ignacio Piatti, Andrés Romero (Patrice Bernier 83'); F-Jack McInerney

Subs not used: GK-Eric Kronberg; D-Wandrille Lefèvre, M-Maxim Tissot; F-Anthony Jackson-Hamel

FCD - GK-Dan Kennedy; D-Je-Vaughn Watson, Matt Hedges, Moises Hernandez (Atiba Harris 80'), Walker Zimmerman; M-Fabian Castillo, Mauro Diaz, Michel (Tesho Akindele 53'), Ryan Hollingshead (Kyle Bekker 73'); F-Victor Ulloa, Blas Perez

Subs not used: G-Chris Seitz; D-Zach Loyd; M-Alejandro Zendejas; F-Michael Barrios

GOALS
MTL - Piatti (PEN) 25'
MTL - McInerney (Piatti) 50'
FCD - Hedges (77')

CAUTIONS
MTL - Soumare 26'
MTL - Donadel 29'
MTL - Romero 58'
FCD - Hedges 75'
MTL - Mallace 87'
MTL - McInerney 90+3'