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USA v Canada, Nashville v Montreal, Lovitz v Brault-Guillard... it could be either one of the three, but the battle for supremacy of Montreal’s right-flank today could be the critical area of the match.
It features a pair of what we used to call full-backs on top of their game. Zach Brault-Guillard, voted third in Player of the Week for week 1 and in the process doubling his MLS career assists tally in one game, has begun the season with intent, while former team-mate Dan Lovitz produced a highly effective opening day for Nashville. Lovitz was directly involved in no fewer than 11 opportunities (3 shots) created against Cincinnati.
Montreal’s Haitian-born Quebecer wants to stake a claim for an international starting place with the World Cup qualifying octagonal on the 2021 horizon. And as chance would have it this afternoon provides the perfect opportunity to compare candidates for that Canadian starting spot too.
For diagonally across the pitch from Brault-Guillard will be Alistair Johnson Canada’s current incumbent in the right side defensive slot.
Quite a few little cameo’s going on today elsewhere as well. Who will prove the most effective midfield anchor, Wanyama and Piette or that perennial Montreal foe, Dax McCarty and likely partner Anibal Godoy?
It promises to be an intriguing contest between the sides with the Nashville trio of Leal, Mukhtar and Muyl behind on-loan Benfica striker Jhonder Cadiz sure to test the resolve of the Montreal rearguard.
But there’s unlikely to be a better argument anywhere on the pitch today than the lateral one as Montreal’s future and past clash face to face, Brault-Guillard v Lovitz.
May the best man win...
Check out the latest, The Ball Is Round Podcast (Episode 26). Recorded Wednesday evening (21 April), the TBIR team discusses the Nashville SC v CFM clash (with special guest Wes Boling of Nashville SC Radio and Club & County podcast), looks back on the #TORONTO WIN!!!! ... and addresses The Super League Fiasco - Greed, Greed, Greed...
They talk the Montreal football issues of the week and cover all the usual favourite features... including, Eve’s Time Machine Social Media & CHOICES... Don’t miss it!
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