Montreal Impact Vs D.C. United: 3 things we learned – Hope for the Impact

Montreal Impact, Orlando City (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Montreal Impact, Orlando City (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
2 of 3
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 21: Ulises Segura #8 of D.C. United runs with the ball against Rod Fanni #7 of Montreal Impact during a Group C match as part of the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 21, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 21: Ulises Segura #8 of D.C. United runs with the ball against Rod Fanni #7 of Montreal Impact during a Group C match as part of the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 21, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

2. D.C. unable to find finishing touch

0ffensively, it was not a very good tournament for D.C. United. They did score three goals but they were scored by super-sub Fredrico Higuain and defender Frederic Brillant. None of their strikers were able to find the back of the net during the tournament, which is worrying for the rest of the 2020 season.

More from MLS Multiplex

They struggled to create chances against the Impact with Ulises Segura only producing one shot on target. The best stretch of play came early in the second half when they forced Clement Diop to make two saves. After that, there were not many other opportunities to come their way.

If Higuain can make his way into the starting XI, he may be able to help create chances for the forwards. He was one of the best players in the tournament for D.C. and it seems he may be able to help turn things around offensively. However, relying on a player-coach to be your star offensive spark is hardly convincing.

Another issue was the lack of clarity and consistency in team selection. In each match,Ben Olsen started a different striker, rotating between Ola Kamara, Erik Sorga, and Segura. A consistent starting striker remains elusive. And without one, D.C. United will struggle to score prolifically when the season resumes.