Jado’s Virtuosos: Rainy Win in Montreal

The Impact continue a somewhat good stretch with another win at home on Wednesday night. This time, it was even more convincing, taking down Orlando City SC by a 3-0 scoreline. Ignacio Piatti scores a brace and Even Bush records another clean sheet. The fans who had the courage to go on a Wednesday night under all the rain could not have asked for a better performance by their team.

In an unfamiliar bit of luck, the Impact was awarded a penalty kick in the opening minutes, as Saphir Taider was tripped in the box before the fourth minute. Piatti stepped up and scored the spot kick to break his five games scoring drought. The rest of the half saw some interesting play back and fourth, but the Impact went into half time with the single goal lead.

The second half saw some early bad luck for Orlando as center-back Amro Tarek deflected a Lovitz cross into the back of his own net. Orlando continued pushing for the rest of the game, missing out on some very good chances. IMFC’s defense held strong and it seemed as though the game would end 2-0 for the home team. However, our Argentine maestro had other plans. Receiving the ball in stoppage time, he rounded the keeper and scored a 3^rd goal to cap off a great game.

Now then, here are this game’s Three Virtuosos:

Virtuoso #1: Ignacio Piatti

Since Joey Saputo came out in an interview and said that even Ignacio Piatti is not “untouchable”, the Argentine had not been himself. 0 goals and 0 assists in five games is not a return we have been accustomed to from our Designated Player. Fortunately, he found his scoring boots and scored a brace, the second goal an absolute beauty. Hopefully, this was the end of his slump.

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Virtuoso #2: Saphir Taider

The Algerian played a great game, dominating in midfield. His partnership with Piette as a double pivot looks better every game. His passing was accurate and he constantly found open space for his teammates. The assist at the end also showcases his intelligence, delaying the pass just enough for Piatti to get past his marker and then perfectly weighing the ball. This player is definitely part of the solution.

Virtuoso #3: Evan Bush

Evan Bush recorded another clean sheet, which is always great considering the Montreal Impact has the worst goal differential (-13) in the MLS this season. He made key saves, especially the one in the 79^th minute when he blocked a point-blank shot and gave no rebound. His performance even got him a well-deserved starting XI berth in the MLS TOTW.

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Next up, Orlando City. Again.

All statistics courtesy of SofaScore.

Who do you think were the top performers? Leave your comments below, and as always, Allez Montréal!