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Over the Hump: Draft Pick Proves Himself and Depth Put into Question

A lot will be resting on the shoulders of scrappy center back Victor Cabrera going into the first match of the season.

MLS: Montreal Impact at New England Revolution Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Ken Krolicki signs contract with Montreal Impact

The Impact announced this week that Ken Krolicki 2018 third round draft back (only draft pick of this year) has been signed to a one year contract with three option years. The dual citizen (US and Japan) proved himself in the preseason camp playing well and holding his own against star players like David Villa.

MLS: Combine Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

In 81 games (67 starts) with Michigan State Spartans he recorded seven goals and fourteen assists. Krolicki showed in the preseason his ability to dispossess opponents and distribute the ball adequately. He will likely be a depth player this season but Garde has shown that he does really appreciate the fight that Krolicki shows on the pitch so it will be interesting to see what his role will be with the squad this season.

Cabrera will need to step up

A lot of questioning arose when the unfortunate news that Zakaria Diallo, the new leader of the backline for the season, suffered an injury that would keep him out for most of the season.

Going into the practice Wednesday the Impact has only one natural center back present in Victor Cabrera given that Thomas Meilleur-Giguère was not present in Montreal and is with Ottawa. For the match on Sunday it is obvious that someone in the locker room will need to step up to fill the shoes of the missing center back.

MLS: Minnesota United FC at Montreal Impact Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

On the other hand, Cabrera who has been known to be somewhat reckless and get heated in matches will need to keep his composure. He will need to be a pillar for the defense until his new partner is found.