Impact Extinguish the Fire

Mauro Biello's undefeated run continued on Wednesday night as the Impact were victorious over the Chicago Fire 2-1 at Stade Saputo. Didier Drogba scored yet another goal for Montreal bringing his tally to five goals since joining the team. The win is another step in the right direction for the team from La Belle Province, who is looking to make the playoffs for the second time since joining MLS. The Impact sit in the sixth and final playoff spot four points above Orlando and with two matches in hand.

Birthday Boy:

"With the spirit this team has and the roll we are on, it was nice to contribute tonight" - Patrice Bernier

After a difficult spell under former head coach Frank Klopas, Patrice Bernier looks to play a more significant role under Biello. The native of Brossard, Quebec came on as a substitute in the 62nd-minute and provided the decisive pass on the game winning goal to Andres Romero. It has been a tough spell for the captain of the Impact, but his performance on Wednesday will be a boost to his confidence.

Mistakes Creep In: 

"We made a few mistakes, one that cost us on the goal, but we showed a lot of character to score that second goal." - Mauro Biello

This was not the finest defensive performance the Impact put on display Wednesday night, in fact in may have been their worst since the arrival of Mauro Biello. The back four made a number of mistakes but were only punished once on the night as David Accam tied the match at 1-1 shortly after halftime. Victor Cabrera had a difficult night at the back, however the sending off of Laurent Ciman left a sour taste in the mouth of Impact supporters.

A Thought for Nacho:

"We dedicate this win to Ignacio (Piatti's) father, who is in a difficult moment right now" - Didier Drogba

The team dedicated the victory to Ignacio Piatti who's father is going through some difficult health issues at the moment. The midfielder returned home to Argentina and was not in the lineup on Wednesday night. It is a testament on how far this team has come in the last number of weeks after the firing of Frank Klopas. The sense of team is continuing to grow as the players are starting to gel at just the right time.

Whats Next:

The victory on Wednesday night was not pretty, but at the end of the night the Impact got the three points. The Impact return to the pitch at Stade Saputo Saturday evening to take on fourth place D.C. United. Laurent Ciman and Andres Romero will miss out on the match due to suspension. Calum Mallace is an injury concern after picking up an injury last weekend, and Piatti may miss out due to the state of his fathers health. The Impact have taken six points out of six so far on their home stand and will be looking to make it nine out of nine on Saturday.

Match Statistics and Quotes Courtesy of the Montreal Impact:

LINEUPS
MTL - GK-Evan Bush; D-Donny Toia, Laurent Ciman, Victor Cabrera, Ambroise Oyongo; M-Nigel Reo-Coker, Kyle Bekker (Patrice Bernier 62'), Dilly Duka, Johan Venegas (Andrés Romero 72'), Dominic Oduro (Hassoun Camara 88'); F-Didier Drogba

Subs not used: GK-Eric Kronberg; D-Wandrille Lefèvre; M-Maxim Tissot, Eric Alexander

CHI - GK-Jon Busch; D-Lovel Palmer, Lovel Palmer, Jeff Larentowicz, Ty Harden, Patrick Doody; M-Matt Polster, Razvan Cocis, David Accam, Patrick Nyarko (Harry Shipp 83'); F-Kennedy Igboananike (Joevin Jones 66'), Gilberto (Mike Magee 78')

Subs not used: GK-Alex Kann; D-Daneil Cyrus; M-Michael Stephens, Matt Watson

GOALS
MTL - Drogba (Reo-Coker) 39'
CHI - Accam 50'
MTL - Romero (Bernier) 76'

CAUTIONS
CHI - Cocis 45+1'
MTL - Polster 56'
CHI - Ciman 58'
MTL - Romero 76'
CHI - Doody 80'
MTL - Cabrera 86'
CHI - Harden 89'

EJECTION

MTL - Ciman (second yellow) 90+1'