Rapids Steal Point from Dominant Montreal Impact

Well, that was more like it.

After two very uninspiring performances against TFC and NYCFC, the Impact looked more like the team from the start of the season, compared to their recent form.

Today's game had the Impact moving the ball much better, especially in the attacking third. The combination of Drogba, Piatti and Shipp, with a bit of help from Bekker really shown through today, as they were able to move the ball to each other quickly and effectively.

Overall, pretty good performances all around from the Starting XI. Donadel coming off of the bench was great as well. Ontivero brought great energy.

Hopefully, the Impact continue this level of play, they truly deserved the win today.

Man of the Match: Didier Drogba

Let's get the obvious out of the way. That goal from Didier off of the free kick was a thing of beauty. Didier knew as soon as it left his foot that it would end up in the back of the net, even beginning his celebration before having the ball cross the line. That goal is just a glimpse of what the legend is capable of. Just incredible.

Beautiful goals is one thing, but Didier solidified his Man of the Match award with his off the ball decisions, just as much as his on the ball decisions.

Today's game saw another change in formation from coach Mauro Biello, and with that a change in tactics. Drogba wasn't always the furthest player up the field today, often holding back in the play. Some might think this is a bad thing, but just his presence drew people toward him opening up the transition game for the Impact.

Add to this, the constant threat he is when having the ball, and he truly is the player that had the most impact.

Honorable Mention: Maxim Tissot

Full disclosure. I would have given Tissot the Man of the Match award if not for his lack of defensive awareness on the first goal from the Rapids.

Other then this one occurrence, the converted young left back looked like an absolute star. Tissot, in two games, has gone from the ultimate unknown, to someone that has shown he can play on a consistent basis, at least on a substitute basis.

He showed great movement on the ball, good defensive positioning, and most importantly was able to mark his man throughout the entire game (barring his one defensive lapse on the first goal from the Rapids.

Also, how could I forgot his absolutely beautiful goal. From where I was sitting, I thought he mishit the ball when striking it, but that ball curved as if David Beckham had struck it. Beautiful goal.

Looking forward to more performances like this one from Tissot. If he continues this way, I foresee a more stable and consistent position in the Starting XI.

Most Surprising Performance: Wandrille Lefevre

Another player I didn't expect much from at the start of the season. Another player I have been pleasantly surprised by thus far.

Last season, in the limited appearances he made, I came away impressed by the play of Wandrille as a spot starter whenever Ciman or Cabrera were not able to go.

However, the newly minted #5 has been very impressive in his time starting for the injured Victor Cabrera. While he does have some problems in his defensive positioning (which has improved), he has shown that he is a perfect back up center back, if not someone capable of starting on an MLS team.

Most Disappointing Performance: Set Piece Defending

I almost gave this space to Ignacio Piatti, as he was consistently disappointing whenever touching the ball.

However, I found our continued terrible set piece defending the most disappointing aspect of our game. Earlier this season, the Impact gave up a goal on a set piece, and I turned to the other writers at MRS, saying that coach Mauro Biello should work on set piece defending. A week later, the team gave up another goal off of a set piece.

All of a sudden, within a week, reports were flying that the Impact were investing a lot of time in practice to set piece defending.

A few weeks later, it seems that all of that effort has yet to pay off. Another set piece in the defensive third, another poor defensive display. The Impact looked lost on the goal, especially right back Ambroise Oyongo.

I hope they continue to work on their set piece defending in practice, the team needs it.

But that's just one man's opinion, let me know yours by tweeting @javiergonz1994 or leaving a comment below!

Man of the Match Awards -€” Thus Far

Laurent Ciman -€” 3

Ignacio Piatti -€” 2

Kyle Bekker -€” 1

Didier Drogba -€” 1

N/A -€” 1

Additional Notes:

What a beautiful day today at Saputo stadium. It is truly one of my favorite sports venues.

Seriously, both of our goals were Goal of the Year candidates. Beautiful.