Montreal Impact vs. FC Edmonton: 10 Bold Predictions
May 7, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; FC Edmonton Kareem Moses (12) is fouled by Montreal Impact Heath Pearce (44) in the second half during the first leg of the Amway Canadian Championships at Clarke Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Austin-USA TODAY Sports
Frank Klopas’s job as manager of the Montreal Impact may be on the line when L’Impact host Colin Miller’s FC Edmonton at Stade Saputo in Montreal, Que. on Wednesday Edmonton take a 2-1 lead into the second leg of the 2014 Amway Canadian Championship semifinals, and one has to imagine that there will be all hands on deck in this contest.
Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. MT/7:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by Sportsnet One. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for the second leg of the Canadian Championship semifinals between the Montreal Impact and FC Edmonton.
1. At least four goals will be scored
A night for defense? Forget about it, this will be a contest that will be decided by which offense is better. This match will see at least four goals scored.
2. Hanson Boakai with a brace
FC Edmontonmidfielder Hanson Boakai is a player that every MLS club needs to keep an eye on. His playmaking ability and defensive skill set makes him a diamond in the rough. Boakai with a brace.
3. Marco Di Vaio scores
Why was Marco Di Vaio a scratch for last Wednesday’s game against Edmonton? The MLS Multiplex is calling for Di Vaio to start and score but if he is not a go for Wednesday, it’s pretty much over for L’Impact.
4. Jack McInerney scores for Montreal
Jack McInerney opened up the scoring for Montreal in their 2-1 defeat to the Eddies, and he will be on goal again to lead L’Impact at home on Wednesday.
5. No goals for Michael Nonni
Michael Nonni was the hero last Wednesday at Clarke Field, but this time he will be quiet. There will be no goals for Nonni in this second leg.
6. Under five saves for John Smits
Edmonton netminder John Smits will have a quiet evening against Montreal. Under five saves will be made from Smits in this game as the Eddies will be on the attack for most of the game.
7. At least five saves from Evan Bush
Evan Bush should be in goal for this game, and while Bush didn’t have a good game last Wednesday, he will be at the top of his game this week with at least five saves. Edmonton will be on the offensive and Bush will need to be ready for the barrage of shots headed his way.
8. No goals for Tomi Ameobi
Tomi Ameobi was a hero last week against Montreal, but the FC Edmonton midfielder will not score this Wednesday against L’Impact. He’ll get a few shots, but that’s pretty much it.
9. At least 30 fouls and four cards
With a spot in the final in the line, there will be 30 fouls whistled and four cards issued. The play will be chippy, and Montreal will be desparate to defend their hardware.
10. A draw will do for FC Edmonton
FC Edmonton will do enough to win the aggregate series. They won’t enough to win the game, but they will do enough to take the series on total goals scored. In this case, a draw is just as good as a straightforward victory.
Montreal Impact 2, FC Edmonton 2
FC Edmonton win aggregate 4-3