Mount Royal Soccer: All Posts by Benjamin Languay

Inside the Opposition: Miguel Almiron and the exciting Atlanta United FC

2017-04-14T18:52:53-04:00

Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

HotAtlanta United FC

While Atlanta United FC is an expansion team, they have proven in the early weeks of the season that they are no pushovers.

They currently sit third in the Eastern conference, and are fresh off a draw at BMO Field against Toronto FC last week, despite playing the final portion of the game with 10 men after Yamil Asad was sent off.

Under Tata Martino, Atlanta plays a very direct style of play. They have scored a lot of goals; six against Minnesota and another four against Chicago, and many have come off cutting through balls or long balls over the top of the defense.

Latin influence

Miguel Almiron has been a big part of the team’s success so far, with three assists already. Another Designated Player, Hector Villalba, has been starting up top in place of Josef Martinez who is out with injury.

He scored twice in the draw against TFC, netting both of Atlanta’s goals.

MLS familiarity

MLS veterans Michael Parkhurst and Jeff Larentowicz have been solid defensively for United, as well goalkeeper Alec Kann, who made seven saves last week.

Opening it up

Atlanta’s games so far have all been very open games; they want to give their players opportunities in isolation, because many of them have to skill to beat defenders 1 v 1.

Almiron will likely be starting on the left wing of a 4-2-3-1, so it will be important for Chris Duvall to be aware of the playmaker at all times.

He likes to drop into the middle in order to see passing lanes; either Duvall or a member of the midfield will have to track him to ensure that he can’t find Villalba’s runs in behind Ciman.

The Impact really need to find a win at home on Saturday, and to do so, they will need to be more creative offensively than they have shown so far.

Whether Piatti plays or not, the Impact need to be better with the ball, while staying aware of the possibility of a quick counter.

If they can do that, they will have a chance to compete against a strong Atlanta team.

Inside the Opposition: Romain Alessandrini and the new Galaxy attack

2017-04-07T14:22:53-04:00

Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Alessandrini is here to prove himself

The new-look Galaxy has been slow out of the gates, but are not lacking any star power. While they lost stalwarts Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard, and Mike Magee, they added USMNT midfielder Jermaine Jones, as well as former Marseille playmaker Romain Alessandrini, who just won MLS Player of the Month for March.

However, these new additions have not led to wins for the Galaxy so far in MLS. They are currently 10th in the Western Conference, with one win and three losses in four games. They have found it difficult to replace the offensive production of Robbie Keane, who had proven to be an ever-dangerous goal threat for the Galaxy.

Tactics 101

Los Angeles has lined up in a 4-4-2 under new head coach Curt Onalfo. The center of the midfield has been occupied by Jones, as well as new arrival João Pedro. Alessandrini has lined up on the wing, with Ema Boateng on his opposite side. Up front, Gio dos Santos has been paired with Jack McBean, a more traditional number 9 than the Mexico international.

The Galaxy defence remains fairly solid, with MLS All-Star Jelle van Damme starting in the centre, and Ashley Cole as the left fullback.

Injuries have hit the Galaxy early this season, with Gyasi Zardes, Robbie Rogers, and Sebastian Lletget all missing time. For the Impact to earn points in LA, they will have to be clinical in attack, while remaining tight defensively.

Ballou can shine

Ballou Tabla will likely be lined up with young fullback Nathan Smith, which could prove to be an important matchup for the Impact. Zardes has returned from injury recently, and will likely see time against the Impact on Friday, so Montreal will have to be aware of the American at all times.

Last week against Chicago, the goals conceded were both a result of poor marking in dangerous zones. Similar mistakes could cost the Impact valuable road points.

Inside the Opposition: Bastian Schweinsteiger and the Chicago Fire

2017-03-31T18:45:57-04:00

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

This is not the Chicago Fire we are used to

The Chicago Fire made headlines this week when they completed undoubtedly one of the biggest signings in the history of MLS by acquiring Bastian Schweinsteiger from Manchester United.

Journalist flub or not, the former Germany international will be exciting to watch; the Fire have instantly become a much more difficult team to beat.

While he is unlikely to receive significant playing time on Saturday, the Fire are still a very different team than they were last season. Former New York Red Bull Dax McCarty, and former LA Galaxy player Juninho headline the central midfield for Veljko Paunovic’s Fire.

The two offseason gains for the Fire create what is now one of the best midfields in the league.

David Accam remains one of the fastest players in the league, and will likely be a threat for the Fire.

Michael de Leeuw often plays as a number 10 for the Fire, and is also capable of scoring goals.

New arrival up front Nemanja Nikolic could also create problems for the Impact, who are without Laurent Ciman.

The Fire could also have some troubles on defense though, with Johan Kappelhof missing Saturday’s game due to suspension.

That means Jonathan Campbell will likely get his first start of the season, joining a young backline with Brandon Vincent.

The Impact will need to exploit this if they want to have a chance to earn points in Chicago, especially without Piatti.

What makes this Fire team so different from that of years’ past is their ability to control the ball.

With their strong central midfield, it’s likely that they will be able to hold the ball for most the game.

Montreal’s counter attack is generally run through Piatti, so it will be difficult for the Impact to create chances. It will be key for Oduro and Mancosu to be clinical in front of goal.

This could also be an opportunity for Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla to earn his first MLS start; Could be a suitable replacement for Piatti.

Regardless of who plays in that spot, it will be key for the Impact to be compact defensively to stop a more attacking Fire than Impact fans are used to.

Inside the Opposition: David Villa looks to repeat an MVP year

2017-03-17T19:24:39-04:00

Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Villa looks to lead a high-powered NYCFC offense

NYCFC were somewhat of a surprise success last season; only in their second year in the league, with an aging, while very star studded, midfield.

Very few expected the offensive outpour from rookie Jack Harrison, coupled with a stellar year for NYCFC’s best player, David Villa.

This year, the team has begun right where they left off, defeating DC United 4-0 last week.

It appears yet again that this team’s strength will be their offensive prowess; Villa will be joined up top by new additions Rodney Wallace, formerly of the Portland Timbers, and a new Designated Player Maxi Moralez, from Liga MX.

Harrison will retain his starting position on the wing, with Villa lined up as a false 9.

Both look poised to continue their form from last season, with Villa scoring twice in the first two games, and Harrison hitting the crossbar against DC, leading to a Wallace goal.

Their attack, combined with the same backline as last year, with an added year of experience, could lead to a dangerous situation for the Impact on Saturday.

The team usually lines up in a 4-3-3, with Frederic Brilliant and Maxime Chanot anchoring the defense, and new arrival Alexander Ring starting in centre midfield in Pirlo’s absence.

For the Impact to earn points at Yankee Stadium, it will be important to defend better than they did against Seattle. Villa, while not the tallest, remains a threat on crosses, which have proven to be a weakness for Montreal.

They will need to be aware of Villa, Harrison, Wallace, and Moralez, as all four are capable of creating and finishing scoring chances.

If they are able to do that, there should be room to operate on the counter attack for Piatti and Oduro.

Inside the Opposition: Sounders look to bounce back after Week 1 defeat

2017-03-10T16:39:35-05:00

Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Can the Sounders repeat in 2017?

When the Sounders defeated Toronto FC in the MLS Cup Final last year, it was a great surprise for many.

Not only on the day, where the Canadian club were certainly favoured, but for the Sounders to even have reached the final was a shock, even to their own fans. When the team fired Sigi Schmid halfway through last season after a tough start, the team sat outside of the playoff places.

Quite the core

Under Brian Schmetzer, the team caught fire. Nico Lodeiro, one of the team’s Designated Players and undoubtedly their best player, was an unstoppable attacking threat.

Jordan Morris, a Homegrown Player and USMNT call-up was able to provide secondary scoring in the absence of Client Dempsey, who missed a significant portion of last year, including the playoffs, due to a heart condition.

Roman Torres, who scored the winning penalty against Toronto, found his stride and steadied the backline along with Chad Marshall.

All of these key players are back again for 2017, which could make the Sounders very dangerous in the upcoming season. They added MLS veteran Will Bruin and former Impact player Harry Shipp to bolster their bench.

Tactically Sound.....ers

Based on the lineup the team rolled out last week in a deserved 2-1 loss to Houston, a loss in which the Dynamo looked the far better team, the Sounders will look to play Morris as a lone striker, with Dempsey as a #10 behind him. He will act very much as a second forward, as Lodeiro acts as the main playmaker from his left-wing position, much like Ignacio Piatti, in his team’s 4-2-3-1.

Joevin Jones and newcomer Gustav Svensson like to support the attack from fullback, so it will be important for Montreal’s wingers, likely Piatti and Oduro, to track back and help break up the Sounders attack.

Seattle has a very strong midfield presence, with the physical Osvaldo Alonso and MLS SuperDraft pick Christian Roldan both capable of covering a lot of ground and breaking up attacks, as well as starting them the other way.

It will be important for Montreal’s midfield to be stronger than they were last week, because they will outnumber the Sounders. If they can made due on this numerical advantage, Montreal’s midfield trio should be able to set up more attacks for Piatti and Mancosu than last week.

Inside the Opposition: San Jose looks to regain championship pedigree in 2017

2017-03-03T19:09:53-05:00

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Impact at San Jose: Season opener preview

Dom Kinnear, entering the third year of his second stint as the San Jose Earthquakes’ manager, will aim to bring the success he had with the Dynamo to California. He led Houston to the MLS Cup in 2006 and in 2007, but he has yet to reach the playoffs with San Jose since his return.

However, a new General Manager, as well as some key roster turnover, could leave to another difficult season for San Jose.

New arrivals Nick Lima and Florian Jungwirth will both likely slot directly into the starting eleven against the Impact on Saturday, with Lima likely to be tasked with covering Ignacio Piatti.

Veteran centre-backs Clarence Goodson and Jordan Stewart are both no longer with the club, which will leave the organizing to Victor Bernardez.

The midfield is the Eartquakes’ strength, with Anibal Godoy and Fatai Alashe lined up in the centre, as well as Designated Player Simon Dawkins on the wing.

Academy product Tommy Thompson could see time off the bench, as well as another new midfielder Jahmir Hyka.

Chris Wondolowski will lead the line for San Jose. The ever-dangerous forward remains the team’s biggest goal scoring threat, and he will be joined either by MLS veterean Quincy Amarikwa, or a newcomer in Danny Hoesen or Marco Ureña.

Overall, this team has gone over a complete makeover in the offseason, which could lead to a rough product on the field on Saturday night.

The team is likely to operate in a classic 4-4-2, a formation that best suits Wondolowski up top. Kinnear-coached teams usually tend to sit back and wait to attack on the counter, and this trait could be emphasized by the lack of chemistry early in the season.

It will be key for the Impact to try and hold some possession well, and not allow San Jose to get in a rhythm. Piatti should be given enough time and space to attack in isolation.

If that happens, it will be difficult for a new-look San Jose back line to cope.

How to Stop Sporting Kansas City's Dynamic Attack

2016-06-24T17:02:35-04:00

Dwyer and Feilhaber celebrate after a goal in last week's win against FC Dallas. | Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Once one of the Impact’s fiercest rivals, Sporting Kansas City now find themselves among a cluster of talented teams in the Western Conference, often relying on their prolific striker to get the job done.

One of the most memorable MLS Regular Season moments for the Impact came in 2013, when Blake Smith scored in the 96^th minute to give the Impact the win against their Eastern Conference foe, Sporting Kansas City. That moment sparked heated confrontations between the two teams, notably coaches Marco Schällibaum and Peter Vermes. The tension has mainly died since then, however. With Sporting's move to the Western conference, limiting the two teams to a single fixture every year, there is hardly a rivalry between the Impact and Kansas City.

Amidst all of the changes, however, the core of Kansas City's team has remained intact. With some major departures hurting the team, mainly Hungarian international Kristian Nemeth returning to Europe, Kansas City's main strength lies in their MLS mainstays. Matt Besler solidifies a stout defense, while Graham Zusi and Benny Feilhaber are both dynamic players in the midfield. Besler and Zusi are both Designated Players, a just representation of their importance to Kansas City and their success in MLS.

Another key cog in the Sporting machine is their main goal scoring threat, Dom Dwyer. Impact fans will remember the numerous times Dwyer has come to bite them; he is truly lethal in front of goal, leading SKC with 6 goals on the season. Kansas City often lines up in a 4-3-3, a similar structure to the one often employed by Mauro Biello, with a compact middle three and wide front three. The wing play of Zusi in the front three, as well as supporting players Brad Davis, acquired from the Houston Dynamo, as well as former Impact winger Justin Mapp, is essential. The wide players in the 4-3-3 have to get the ball to Dwyer in the box, as the centre forward is capable of scoring both with his feet and his head.

To add to Kansas City's attacking threat, Benny Feilhaber has started to regain his form from last year, when he was truly one of the best midfielders in the entire league. He scored a goal and assisted on another from a set piece in Sporting KC's victory against FC Dallas last week. Sitting in front of the defense, Feilhaber is capable of hitting precise long balls to his wingers as well as to Dwyer. He isn't hesitant to join in the attack himself, either.

The key for the Impact against Sporting will be strength on centre defense. With Ciman still with the Belgian national team in France, it will be up to Wandrille Lefevre and Victor Cabrera to build off a road shut out against Columbus. Dwyer will be a much more difficult task for the pair to deal with, and allowing him too much space will sure prove costly for the Impact on Saturday.

What do you think the Impact's chances are on Saturday?

Who do you think will start?

The Galaxy's Brightest Star: Gio dos Santos

2016-05-26T11:51:30-04:00

Gio dos Santos celebrates his goal against the New England Revolution. | Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

The Mexico international, as well as the numerous other attacking options for the Galaxy, will look to take advantage of a shorthanded Montreal backline.

The Los Angeles Galaxy are often known for their big-name signings: Impact fans will remember David Beckham scoring a long-range free kick at the packed Olympic Stadium several years ago. The Galaxy are a mainstay in the MLS Playoffs, truly the nearest thing to a dynasty that this parity-driven league has ever seen. Having won the MLS Cup in 2011, 2012, and most recently in 2014, the Galaxy are proven winners when it counts the most.

The team they have currently assembled looks no less capable of winning important games. The Galaxy have a ludicrous amount of attacking talent. From Designated Players Robbie Keane and Giovani dos Santos, to youngsters Sebastian Lletget and Gyasi Zardes, to MLS veterans Mike Magee and Alan Gordon, Los Angeles has no shortage of offense. The Galaxy's midfield is equally talented, with Steven Gerrard entering his first full season with the team and the addition of defensive midfielder Nigel de Jong. The Galaxy have even more European additions to the first team, with Ashley Cole and Jelle van Damme arriving from Roma and Standard Liège respectively.

It's LA's attack that could prove to be the most problematic for the Impact, however. With Victor Cabrera and Donny Toia seemingly out with injuries, and Laurent Ciman and Ambroise Oyongo out on international duty, the only defenders at Biello's disposal are Wandrille Lefevre, Hassoun Camara, Maxim Tissot, and MLS rookie Kyle Fisher. For the first time all year, the entire first-choice defense for Mauro Biello is unavailable, which will make the test against a strong LA team even tougher. The likely fullbacks, Camara and Tissot, will see a lot of dos Santos and Emmanuel Boateng, both of whom are capable of scoring goals as well as whipping in crosses. Center defenders Lefevre and Fisher will have to be aware of the constant goal-scoring threat of Robbie Keane, on top of the sneaky speed of Gyasi Zardes. Both of Los Angeles' fullbacks, Cole and Robbie Rogers, are willing and able to get forward into the attack, which will make it once again key for the Impact to be responsible defensively before hitting on the counterattack. The Impact will also have to limit the set piece opportunities afforded to LA, as the patchwork backline for Montreal will certainly be lacking chemistry and communication, on top of the fact that the team allowed a set piece goal last week against Orlando. To avoid the same final result, the Impact will simply have to be more disciplined, especially with van Damme and Gordon ready to pounce. Even with Keane and Zardes away from the team on international duty, the Impact will be in tough against a strong Galaxy squad.

Who do you think will start in defense for the Impact?

Do they stand a chance against the star-studded Galaxy?

Taming the Lions: The key to stopping Orlando

2016-05-19T13:14:06-04:00

Larin dribbles along the sideline in Orlando's draw against the New York Red Bulls. | Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After an impressive rookie campaign, Cyle Larin looks to prove that he’s above the dreaded sophomore slump.

Expectations for expansion teams in any league are lowered, as was the case for Orlando City SC in 2015, their inaugural campaign in MLS. Having to build a team mainly from players acquired in the expansion draft is certainly difficult, and getting to the playoffs seemed unrealistic for the Lions.

However, standout performances from several players make the unlikely seem possible. Cyle Larin, the 1^st overall selection in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, set an all-time rookie goal-scoring record in MLS, notching 17 in his first year with Orlando. Christian Higuita, a starting defensive midfielder in Adrian Heath's standard 4-2-3-1, also had a very impressive season, completing 87% of his passes, as well as averaging 4.3 tackles each game, putting him second in MLS in that regard. While the only obvious superstar on the Orlando roster is one of their three Designated Players, Brazilian international Kaka, Orlando was able to win games on the strength of the supporting cast, an uncommon feat for a team in their first season.

Unfortunately for their supporters, however, Orlando finished 7^th in the East, one spot outside of the coveted playoff places. In the offseason, the Orlando front office made several moves to improve their roster: the signings of Italian international Antonio Nocerino, as well as former Brazilian international Julio Baptista have strengthened the Lions' attack even more. After tearing his ACL early in 2015 causing him to miss the majority of last season, Kevin Molino, who played with Orlando in their USL days, leads Orlando in goals with four (Larin also has four).

Orlando's main attacking threat against the Impact will likely come from the wings, where Orlando have an abundance of talent. On top of Nocerino and Molino, who often start as the two attacking wingers in the 4-2-3-1, fullbacks Brek Shea and Rafael Ramos both enjoy attacking along the sidelines. This could prove to be problematic for the Impact, whose wingers are often reluctant to track back into the defensive third, notably Ignacio Piatti, who will likely line up against Ramos. In order for the Impact to find some kind of success against Orlando, it will be key to limit the amount of space given to their wingers, because if they are able to get the ball into the box, Cyle Larin will have no problem putting the ball into the back of the net. Montreal's fullbacks and wingers will have to be aware of Orlando's attacking threat on the flanks in order to improve their chances of earning a point on the road.

How can the Impact break their streak of draws?

What's your prediction for the final score?

Breaking Down the Union: Youth key in Philly

2016-05-12T11:24:18-04:00

Rosenberry celebrates his first career MLS goal on Wednesday night against the LA Galaxy. | Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

After finishing the 2015 season with the second lowest point total in MLS, the Union used the SuperDraft to rebuild, from the bottom up.

The Union couldn't help but be disappointed by their finish last year in MLS; an abundance of offensive talent was on their squad, most notably Designated Player Christian Maidana, as well as C.J. Sapong, who had a career year in 2015. However, key defensive pieces, like Vincent Nogueira and Maurice Edu both lost time due to injury. The biggest issue for the Union last year was in their defense and their goaltending; they were unable to find a combination of center defenders or fullbacks to consistently keep teams out of their defensive third, and when teams found themselves in the Union box, whichever goalkeeper was playing on the day was often unable to make key saves for his team.

This year, however, the Union have an impressive defensive record, allowing only eight goals in eight games played, heading into their matchup with the LA Galaxy on Wednesday night. The main reason for this transformation is the stellar play of three players in the Union defense: Joshua Yaro, Keegan Rosenberry, and Andre Blake. Yaro and Rosenberry were drafted second and third overall respectively in this past year's SuperDraft, with Blake being the first overall selection in 2014. All three now currently find themselves as regulars in the Union starting eleven, with Yaro in the centre of defense, Rosenberry as right fullback, and Blake as the team's first choice goalie.

The injection of youth into the starting lineup has proven effective for the Union, who, regardless of their current position in third, have the highest points-per-game in the Eastern conference. Despite the departures of key offensive weapon Christian Maidana (as well as former Impact player, Andrew Wenger) to the Houston Dynamo, the Union have managed to maintain a strong offense. The arrivals of Tranquillo Barnetta and Ilsinho into the attacking midfield, joining Chris Pontius, who the Union acquired in a trade with DC United, spark the attack led by Sapong.

In order for Montreal to have success against the Union, it will be key to exploit the inexperience of their backline. Based on recent lineups, Ignacio Piatti will line up against Rosenberry, which could prove a difficult matchup for the rookie, despite his strong start to the season. Whether it be Drogba or another striker to start up top, it will be essential for him to give Yaro trouble with his movement. Andre Blake can be counted on to make several key stops, so the Impact will have to be clinical in front of goal if they want to return to their winning ways at Stade Saputo.

What do you think of the Impact's chances against the Union?

Who do you think will start?