Down the Line to the 2018 Season: The Goalkeepers

From signings, to departures, to rumors, an in depth look of what is to come from the goalkeeper position in 2018. The goalkeeper position is one that fans wanted more from last season. The Impact has more than they need at this position right now, having four keepers with a contract and many rumors developed over the off season of what can possibly happen. After the shocking news of the departure of fan favorite Jack Stern, the Impact made what can be a great move with the hiring of Joel Bats. Joel Bats is a world renown player and coach; he can be a key piece in developing the youth goalkeepers of the Impact.

Evan Bush: The only remaining player from the original Impact team, after the departures of both Bernier and Camara, he has a lot to prove. Bush, since starting in the MLS, fought his way to be the starting goalkeeper of the Impact. He was an unsung hero during the historic CONCACAF Champions League run and has had some key moments in the past few years. Last season many fans were disappointed with his play. He made some errors and his position as starting goalkeeper remains questionable. It will be interesting to see what role he will play this season with the talented youth that is surrounding him at this position.

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Maxime Crépeau: The young Quebec goalkeeper was the back up goalkeeper last season and got his chance during the Canadian Championship. He showed a lot of skill and true potential, he was a key player the whole tournament especially during the final against Toronto. His play even earned him a start in the MLS but unfortunately the game did not go well. Maxime has a lot of potential and being a young player stuck behind a keeper who has a long history with the team is extremely difficult. During the off season some sources suggested that he requested a trade to be valued by a team instead of being pushed aside. He believes in his potential and it will be interesting to see if a trade does go through or if the Impact gives him the desired position he feels he deserves.

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James Pantemis: An off season signing, James, is a young goalkeeper from the Impact academy. During the 2017 season Pantemis was training with the team coming back from an LCL injury. While this signing is likely not for a starting goalkeeper role, at least not immediately, it will be interesting to see which role he does play with the team. James being a young player who showed a lot of promise early, he can develop well under new goalkeeper coach Joel Bats.

Clement Diop: Acquired via the MLS Waiver Draft, Clement was a questionable signing considering the amount of keepers the Impact already has. Diop did not have the best season with the LA Galaxy last season and fans will remain skeptical about this signing until he proves himself. He is still young and can hopefully develop or improve with the proper guidance.

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Rumors of European Acquisition: Early during the off season, right after the announcement of new coach Garde, rumors about the Impact looking for an experienced European goalkeeper developed. Although, given their acquisitions if they are to continue down this road moves will need to be made with the surplus of keepers they already have.

If you were in the management team of the Montreal Impact who would choose as your starting goalkeeper?

Stay tuned for the analysis of the defensive line, the midfield and the forwards.