DALLAS DROUGHT EXTENDS FOR IMPACT …

The prospects of Montreal Impact gathering any points dried up fairly quickly at Toyota Stadium in Saturday evening’s 35 degree, Texas heat.

Going two behind within 18 mins was not part of the script, although hardy Impact watchers would not have been surprised by events unfolding in yet another road game where pre-match hope overwhelmed expectancy.

In fact, optimism was extended beyond natural limits upon realisation that Ignacio Piatti would start the game on the bench. Just where would the goals come from, one wondered? “One” unfortunately had it spot on!

Spot on, referee Nima Saghafi was not, electing not to query the video when his VAR colleague advised the off-side against Dallas in the 6^thminute was in fact not, and that a goal should be awarded. Poor misjudgement by both men. The league has since underlined their error.

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Mr Saghafi’s decision then to award Dallas a penalty as Camacho and Urruti came together, made Montreal’s task unsurmountable following Diaz’s conversion.

The Impact rallied, enjoying the possession allowed them by the home side, who never looked like losing the game from this point on, and indeed could have increased the margin of victory.

Decent efforts from Krolicki, Mancosu and Taider went close for Montreal, the latter pair rattling the woodwork, but Montreal’s apalling Texan record and barren run in front of goal were each maintained.

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Player ratings and comment, as I saw it . . . .

Evan Bush – 7/10 –Not much he could do about either goal. Positional sense in second-half came to team-mates’ rescue on a few occasions, when they aerial presence was lacking.

Chris Duvall – 5/10 –Always willing to go forward, where crossing remains erratic. Struggled in defence. Yellow card was no surprise.

Rudy Camacho – 5.5/10 –Recovered quite well after a shaky start why may have been expected all things considered. Some good things apparent such as an ability to carry the ball from defence and seek controlled options. Solidity in defense will remain questionable until we see more. Can be considered unlucky for his part in the two goals conceded.

Rod Fanni – 5.5/10 –Not his best game, but you still feel more assured with him there than not. Struggled aerially at times and was tested on occasion on the deck too. Will be interesting to see if a partnership can develop between him and Camacho. That’s if he stays, of course.

Daniel Lovitz – 5/10 –Unfortunately his tenacity doesn’t make up for a lack of composure. Often looked rushed, affecting accuracy in his distribution. Challenging night facing Barrios.

Samuel Piette – 7/10 – Montreal’s best performer on the night. His passing and ability to block holes across the field were important features of the team’s performance.

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Alejandro Silva – 5/10 –Some decent crosses into the box, where there was rarely anyone attacking the ball. Looks like a player not enjoying his football. Needs to be more careful in possession, some giveaways could’ve lead to dangerous opportunities for Dallas

Saphir Taider – 6/10 –The player with most ability in Montreal’s midfield, but needs help. No-one else across the midfield appears on the same wavelength or ability level as the Algerian, who is finding it difficult, with literally no-one to play with. This results in Taider trying to contribute too much and takes away from his effectiveness. Great effort which rattled the bar.

Ken Krolicki– 5/10 – Had a decent effort on goal in the first half. Put in tremendous effort and covered much ground yet doesn’t impose or provide influence. Not a bad performance, but not too much of note either, apart from the effort that troubled Gonzales.

Jeisson Vargas – 4.5/10– A midfield lightweight again. Contributed very little as the game passed him by.

Matteo Mancosu – 5.5/10 – A greater physical presence up front than Jackson-Hamel. Wasn’t his night. Hit the upright when he should’ve scored, may have been in on goal had his touch been better prior to being fouled by Gruezo, had a headed goal ruled out for off-side, and was credited with an own goal to open the scoring. A litany of misfortune, but he looked capable of getting something, although ultimately it didn’t happen.

Subs

Raheem Edwards – 5/10 –Introduced with little effect with 24 mins left.

Anthony Jackson-Hamel – 5/10 – Unable to add anything to the attack after replacing Mancosu with 20 mins to make an impression. Frustrating to watch him in a one on one duel. Invariably loses out.

Dominic Oduro – Did not play long enough to warrant a rating.