Crew SC vs Montreal game preview
by Nino Torres
Columbus.- When Crew SC plays at home, they out score, outplay and dominate rivals. Their aggression leads them to score first and control the game from within. But when they leave Mapfre Stadium they become hesitant, inaccurate and erratic. After a short winless tour (2-2 at Orlando, 0-3 at Philly) they will host the Montreal Impact (also winless on the road) at Columbus where they feel safe.
“We need to re-find our identity and our winning mentality. Obviously it’s three games now without a win, and once we get back at Mapfre stadium with our fans behind us, we have to re-group and punish teams” Aaron Schoenfeld said after the Philly loss.
For those looking for an answer to why Crew SC hasn’t won a road game yet, what the forward says is crystal clear: Identity and Mentality.
There is a sense of confidence for tomorrow’s game against the Canadians. The Impact has never obtained a single point in five visits to Mapfre Stadium. The hosts are looking for redemption after a dismantling loss to the Union, in what could be classified as the worst performance since Gregg Berhalter took the wheel.
Despite their position in the Eastern Conference, Montreal Impact obtained 9 of 12 possible points in their last four games, and they are climbing their way back to try to be above the thin red line. Last year Ignacio Piatti was a nightmare for Columbus. Tomorrow, the Argentine has the chance to change his team’s fate in Ohio. He will need help from two former Crew SC players: Dilly Duka and Dominic Oduro. The first one with his ability to create chances out of nowhere and the second one with his speed.
“It’s going to be important to go there and get a result, one point or three. With the parity in the league, we are only a few points [out of playoff spot],” explained defender Wandrille Lefèvre. “We have to make sure we have the same attitude that we had on Wednesday to avoid the problems we experienced last Saturday in Chicago.”
For the home team, having back the 99.9% of their starters (Will Trapp is still recovering from a concussion) is a relief. On paper they are favorites, their identity rises at Mapfre stadium and if they manage their winning mentality, the three points will stay in Ohio.
Columbus Crew SC vs. Montreal Impact
Saturday, June 6 – 7:30 p.m. ET – MAPFRE Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)
Crew SC
Montreal
Crew SC Form
W 3-2 VS SEATTLE
L 0-2 AT SAN JOSE
T 2-2 VS CHICAGO
T 2-2 AT ORLANDO
L 0-3 AT PHILADELPHIA
MONTREAL IMPACT FORM
L 2-3 AT TORONTO
W 4-1 VS REAL SALT LAKE
W 2-1 VS DALLAS
L 0-3 AT CHICAGO
W 2-1 VS VANCOUVER
