MONTREAL – This is it.
Their playoff chances merely mathematical by now – and perhaps gone by this weekend – the Montreal Impact are fully focused on the CONCACAF Champions League. For once, when New York Red Bulls visit Stade Saputo on Wednesday (8 pm, FOX Sports 2), it’s not about spoiling the opponent’s odds to make the postseason: It’s about Montreal getting within reach of the CCL quarterfinals.
Currently 2-0, the Impact would reach nine points with a win against New York, who would then need wins at FAS next week and at home against Montreal on Oct. 22 to match Montreal’s points tally.
No two teams have finished the CCL group stage tied at nine points since the competiton's move to three-team groups in 2012. Should the Impact and the Red Bulls do just that, the second tiebreaker – goal difference in matches between them – and, potentially, the third – away goals in matches between the two – would come into play.
“We’ve put a lot into this tournament here,” Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush told reporters on Monday. “The first few games, we traveled down to El Salvador and had a good team here that we put on the field, so we’re committed to what the tournament is and what the ramifications are going forward. Hopefully, we can put a good effort in, and I think everyone will be up for that.”
But some worries remain. Midfielder Felipe, who saw red in the 3-2 win at FAS, and defender Krzysztof Krol, who picked up bookings in his first two group matches, are both suspended. The injured Gorka Larrea (thigh) and Justin Mapp (groin) will skip Wednesday’s game as well.
However, Matteo Ferrari has overcome a hamstring tweak picked up last Wednesday and is available. The same applies to Patrice Bernier, who had been dealing with a foot injury, and Maxim Tissot, who had injured his thigh. Right back Hassoun Camara suffered a slight muscle tear near his elbow last Wednesday, but he says he is ready to play through the pain.
“If a couple of those guys are healthy and ready to go, I think it should help our team,” head coach Frank Klopas said.
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In-form Designated Players Marco Di Vaio and Ignacio Piatti are rested and available for Wednesday, but New York head coach Mike Petke is expected to rotate his squad and use some reserves. Bradley Wright-Phillips and Thierry Henry, the Impact’s tormentors in a 4-2 defeat at Red Bull Arena last month, are question marks due to injury.
“We’re hosting a fine team, no matter what. They are a complete squad, with good players, no matter what,” Camara said “We’ll focus on ourselves, on the good things we want to do, because we know it’s important for ourselves, for the club, for the fans and for the city as well. We want to shine on the international stage, and this is a perfect occasion to put our best foot forward.”
