Sam Piette - 100 Not Out!

This evening against Nashville SC at Red Bull Arena, Samuel Piette will become the latest Montreal Impact player to reach 100 appearances (all competitions).

He will be the 11th Impact player in the MLS-era to reach the milestone.

The midfield dynamo has displayed admirable consistency under four different coaches, clocking up his 100 appearances within the span of Impact’s last 114 matches, the relatively few games missed being sound testimony to the player’s fitness, resolve and commitment.
His appearance breakdown for the first 99 reads...

MLS Regular Season ................ 89+0
Canadian Championship ......... 6+0
CONCACAF Champs Lge ........ 3+0
MLS-is-Back R of 16 ................. 1+0

He’s played more games under Remi Garde (57+0) than any of the other coaches, so far; Thierry Henry (23+0), Mauro Biello (11+0) and Wilmer Cabrera (8+0).

Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

And of course we all remember Sam’s first goal in the 4-2 victory in Vancouver earlier this season.

There have been 5 assists from the player who joined the Impact on August 3, 2017 from Spanish lower league club, CD Izarra.

Not surprisingly most of Sam’s appearances have been at Stade Saputo (39) although Red Bull Arena (7), BMO Field (5) and Gillette Stadium (5) all figure prominently. He’s played on only four occasions at Stade Olympique which may surprise a few.

He’s been on the winning side against Toronto FC more than any other (5), but also been on the losing side to TFC more than any other, tied with New England Revolution (7 times).

Toronto FC (12), New England Revolution (11), Vancouver Whitecaps (7) and Chicago Fire (6) are the sides he’s faced most.

The largest crowd Sam has played in front of for Montreal is the 45,039 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in April 2018. It was Impact’s first visit there and the game was lost 1-4, after Saphir Taider had headed them into a first-half lead.

As well, the Repentigny native has another appearance milestone in his sights. He’s won 49 caps for Canada and being firmly in the plans of current national team boss, John Herdman, looks certain to reach the half-century before too long.

Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Patrice Bernier however can relax for a season or two yet. His Impact record number of appearances (184) for an outfield player in the MLS-era is still on the horizon for Piette, as is Evan Bush’s record of (205).

The best way to celebrate tonight’s landmark of course would be victory over Nashville, three points and a not so small step towards post-season soccer.

Well done, Sam! And Congratulations!