Storylines to Watch:
The Impact have turned a corner defensively
The first half of the 2018 campaign saw a struggling Montreal defense give up 28 goals in their first 13 games. They've been much better on the defensive side of the ball during a recent three game winning streak, in fact Rémi Garde's side have conceded just two goals in the last five matches, grabbing four wins in the process. Montreal's most impressive win in a recent three-game winning streak came on June 30 at home, beating Sporting KC 2-0.
“As a team, we’ve really committed to the defensive side,” said goalkeeper Evan Bush. “In the past, when we said we’ve committed to the defensive side, sometimes that meant we sat deep and just looked to counter. That’s not really the case. We’re pressing in the areas that we need to press, and our wide midfielders are doing a good job of staying tucked in.”
Player to Watch: Ignacio Piatti
The obvious choice for player to watch this weekend? None other than Montreal Impact's Designated Player - Ignacio Piatti. The Argentine is one of the most dynamic attacking players in the league, currently leading the the Impact with nine goals, and six assists in just 16 appearances. Four of those goals have come in his last three MLS games.
The 33-year-old midfielder's nose for goal has seen him earn the title of Impact MVP for the previous three seasons (2015-2017), scoring 43 goals and adding 20 assists. His most recent accomplishment? Being selected for the 2018 MLS All-Star Game in Atlanta.
“I’m very happy to be selected for my third MLS All-Star game,” Piatti said. “It’s great to be a part of this game and spend time with some of the best players in the league. I would like to thank my teammates because we are a team, and without them I wouldn’t be able to go.”
Despite never scoring against the Rapids, fans and players should keep an eye out for the #10 in Montreal's midfield on Saturday night.
Colorado Rapids vs Montreal Impact - Head-to-Head
The Rapids have met the Montreal Impact six times in the MLS regular season, resulting in a 4-1-1 record. Montreal are currently in the seventh spot in the East with a 7-11-0 overall record.The Rapids, meanwhile, are coming off a 2-1 loss to Seattle Sounders FC that sees their season record sit at 4-10-3 overall.
The last time the two sides met was on September 30, 2017 with Colorado snagging a thrilling 2-1 win over Montreal at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park.
- Head-to-Head Overall: Colorado Rapids 4 wins, 15 goals | Montreal Impact 1 win, 10 goals | 1 tie
- Head-to-Head in Montreal: Colorado Rapids 1 wins, 6 goals | Montreal Impact 0 wins, 5 goals | 1 tie
- Previous Meeting: Montreal Impact 1, Colorado Rapids 2 (September 30, 2017)
