In a must-win match for both clubs, the Montreal Impact defeated D.C. United on Tuesday night. Here are three things we learned from the 1-0 victory.
It was all on the line on Tuesday night in the MLS is Back Tournament as the Montreal Impact faced D.C. United with a possible place in the knockout rounds at stake. For D.C., a win would not only take them into the knockout stages but potentially into first place. Such hopes, though, were quickly squandered.
The match was not the most eye-catching display of football. Both clubs struggled to maintain possession and chances came at a premium. In the end, a Saphir Taider strike that was deflected by Frederic Brillant proved to be the difference.
The victory gives the Impact hope they can reach the knockout round if results go their way in the remaining group-stage matches. Unfortunately for D.C. United, their tournament has come to an end and they will finish in fourth place in Group B.
Here are three things we learned.
3. Taider the difference maker
The MLS is Back Tournament has gone well for Montreal Impact star, Saphir Taider thus far. As a Designated Player, he has delivered for the club and possibly helped them qualify for the knockout round.
His goal against D.C. United may have been helped in by Brillant’s deflection but it did give him his third goal of the tournament. Throughout the match, he was the most likely to create a chance or score a goal. In a game with a lack of offensive quality, Taider stood out.
His goal follows his brace against Toronto FC, where he converted two penalties. They may prove to be crucial in the Impact’s chances for advancing. Goal differential is a deciding factor when it comes to sorting out the third-place qualifiers. If the Impact does indeed advance, Taider’s clinical finishing will be one of the reasons.