:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47081512/usa-today-8609723.0.jpg)
With Frank Klopas being relieved of his coaching duties there will no doubt be some new faces in the Impact starting lineup. One of the players that could profit from the coaching change in Montreal is American midfielder Eric Alexander.
Alexander a native of Portage, Michigan played his college soccer for the University of Indiana. Since being drafted in the third round of the 2010 MLS Superdraft by Dallas, Alexander has also played for the Portland Timbers as well as the New York Red Bulls before being traded to the Impact.
The Forgotten Man in the Oyongo Deal:
The American midfielder was acquired by the Impact in the Ambroise Oyongo trade earlier this spring. Upon his arrival Alexander was cup-tied for the CONCACAF Champions League matches and was never able to break into the lineup under Frank Klopas.
"I'm gonna play the players who deserve to play"Biello #IMFC
— Joey Alfieri (@joeyalfieri) August 31, 2015
Alexander was a fixture in the New York Red Bulls lineup last season that finished fourth in the Eastern Conference. Of note, the native of Michigan appeared in all 34 league matches. The season before that Alexander also appeared in all 34 matches when the Red Bulls finished in first place in the Eastern Conference.
Alexander was not the first veteran player to come to Montreal and not receive much playing time. Last season the Impact acquired the likes of: Mamadou "Futty" Danso, (3 appearances), Iseey Nakajima-Farran (14 appearances), and Gorka Larrea (10 appearances) all whom did not see much playing time under Frank Klopas.
What Can Alexander Bring:
Alexander looked to be heading down the same path this season as some of the other veterans having appeared in 14 matches and only starting in 8. For a team that has struggled with injuries throughout the last number of seasons, having someone with Alexander's 'iron man' longevity would help the stability of the midfield.
It is also worth noting that Alexander only picked up 5 yellow cards (and 0 red) between the 2013-2014 seasons with the Red Bulls. Having someone with the discipline Alexander could bring would be a bonus for an Impact team that picks up too many cards.
With Mauro Biello now at the helm in Montreal it could breathe some fresh air into the lineup and free up some playing time for the former Red Bull midfielder.