Recap: #IMFC vs #VamosOrlando

The Impact are coming off an unlucky loss to Dallas where even after performing somewhat well they got absolutely nothing to show for it. The tables turned quickly in the match against Orlando where they seem to be on the lucky side of things.

In the 5th minute, Taider was taken down in the box and Armando Villareal did not hesitate to call the foul on the play. Piatti set up for the penalty and made no mistake getting the Bleu-Blanc-Noir on the board very early.

Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

The Impact held possession and made it difficult for Orlando to get anything going int he game. It took 33 minutes for them to register their first shot and it was not a difficult one to save for Bush.

Before the end of the second half, Vargas had to leave the game due to injury. While he was able to walk off the field after the game Garde was hesitant to elaborate on the injury; probably because the player needs to undergo further evaluation before anything conclusive can be determined.

In the second half the Impact kept creating opportunities for themselves and with luck on their side they were able to double their lead early. In the 55th minute, Lovitz sent in a cross and Orlando player Tarek tried to block off the cross but ended up sending it into his own net.

Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

For the remainder of the game Orlando maintained most of the possession but the Impact kept a strong defensive structure and were able to keep their lead into the dying minutes. With Orlando pressing to get on the board and bringing more guys forward every time the Impact did get the ball in the final minutes they were able to get a chance.

Unfortunately, Lovitz and Taider were both unable to get the precision needed to get another goal on the board when their golden opportunities came. Piatti on the other hand made no mistake. In the added minutes, Piatti got a nice pass from Taider and after deeking the keeper he walked the ball to the net before taking his shot.

Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

The Impact may have gotten three important points in their shutout win but this came against a struggling side. They will need to keep this form for more than one game, especially since Orlando is their next opponent after the break, for it to be viewed as anything significant.

3 Observations

• Oh Raheem: In the game against Orlando, one thing seemed very clear, Edwards is talented. He has the intelligence and skills to get into great scoring opportunities and make moves to get free from defenders. The issue is that at times he tries to do too much or even at that takes the wrong decision. This, in my mind, is lack of experience. With time I think Edwards will really establish himself in the league. The question is, are we patient enough to let him?

Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

• Kljestan Hard Day at the Office: Kljestan found himself head to head against Samuel “Bulldog” Piette and the Quebec native prove to get the better of his opposition. Since coming to Orlando Kljestan has done well but with his team now struggling and his having to face off against one of the better players of the Impact he was too easily shut down. It will be interesting to see if he is able to step it up on the 23rd.

Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

• Frustration Setting In: If the game against Orlando on the 23rd is anything like the game last night it will likely get ugly. Orlando who have now lost 6 games straight are clearly getting frustrated as what was seen on the pitch. Dwyer’s tackle against Piette or Rossel’s tackle against Mancosu were clear examples of frustration in the end are dangerous for the Impact players. Any situation of back to back games against the same team always creates more heated games but in this case it might get ugly.

Lineup

MTL – GK-Evan Bush; D-Chris Duvall, Rod Fanni, Rudy Camacho, Daniel Lovitz; M-Samuel Piette, Saphir Taider, Raheem Edwards (Alejandro Silva 62’), Jeisson Vargas (Ken Krolicki 33’), Ignacio Piatti; F-Matteo Mancosu (Jukka Raitala 81’)

Subs not used – Clément Diop, Marco Donadel, Anthony Jackson-Hamel, Michael Salazar

ORL – GK-Joe Bendik; D-Amro Tarek, Jonathan Spector, RJ Allen, Tony Rocha; M-Cristian Higuita (José Villareal 57’), Josué Colman (Chris Mueller 68’), Justin Meram (Stéfano Pinho 70’), Oriol Rosell, Sacha Kljestan; F-Dominic Dwyer

Subs not used – Earl Edwards Jr, Chris Schuler, Donny Toia, Dillon Powers

GOALS

MTL – Piatti (Penalty) 5’

MTL – Own Goal (Tarek) 55’

MTL – Piatti (Taïder, Lovitz) 90’+2’

CAUTIONS

ORL – Dwyer 17’

ORL – Higuita 19’

ORL – Rosell 49’