Montreal Impact Vs Columbus Crew: 3 things we learned – It’s not over yet
By Daniel Garza
A 3-0 victory over the Columbus Crew was a massive result for the Montreal Impact as they look to stay on course for a playoff spot. Here are three things we learned.
Only a few matches remain in the 2018 regular season for the Montreal Impact and Saturday’s clash with the Columbus Crew was one of the biggest of the season.
In the end, it was the home side who came out victorious at the Stade Saputo. A 3-0 clean-sheet win gives the Impact life as they close the gap on the rest of the field and will remain ahead of D.C. United for the sixth and final playoff spot.
Related Story. D.C. United Vs Montreal Impact: 3 things we learned. light
Columbus displayed one of their poorest defensive performances of the season and it showed on the scoresheet.
A first-half penalty gave Saphir Tadier and the Impact an early lead. Josh Williams was spotted for a handball after a VAR review and the Algerian dispatched it past Zack Steffen.
Saphir Taïder gives @impactmontreal the lead from the spot! #MTLvCLB pic.twitter.com/rfdNo9s6L9
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 6, 2018
Alejandro Silva was allowed too much time and space and was able to score a goal seemingly uncontested to make it 2-0 right before halftime.
HT: @alesilva_89 makes it two for Montreal minutes before the halftime whistle! #MTLvCLB https://t.co/4iAOcsNift
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 6, 2018
Ignacio Piatti added his 14th goal of the season to round out the scoring on the afternoon. Once again, an Impact player was allowed to carry the ball into the box with relative ease.
Nacho being Nacho!
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 6, 2018
Piatti's 14 goal of the season makes it 3-0 for @impactmontreal. #MTLvCLB https://t.co/MT4MSrcn9s
Evan Bush did his part in net as he came up with a few key saves to earn the clean sheet alongside his backline.
Here are three things we learned from the Impact’s victory.
3. Evan Bush stands tall in goal
It has been an up-and-down year for Evan Bush in goal but he has done a splendid job as the Impact’s shot-stopper. At times, he has been left on his own, especially in the early stages of the season.
But his display on Saturday showed what he can do when he is on the top of his game. He made a remarkable nine saves on the day, denying the Crew attack time and time again. It was one the best goalkeeping displays of the season, and at just the right time.
As the league leader in saves, Bush has risen up the rankings of goalkeepers in the league this season and was a huge asset for his team If the Impact are able to sneak into the playoffs, then Bush will have to be a key part. When in form, he really is that good.