Vancouver Whitecaps 2, Montreal Impact 3 | 2016 MLS Match Recap

Benjamin Baer

Without Didier Drogba, some would have thought that the Montreal Impact attack would suffer in Week 1 of the new MLS season. But that wasn't the case as Ignacio Piatti put on a show in Vancouver, leading the Impact in their 3-1 road win vs. the Whitecaps.

Piatti contributed two goals and an assist in Drogba's absence, with the first goal coming in spectacular fashion after the Argentine weaved through the 'Caps defense and finished past goalkeeper David Ousted. Dominic Oduro contributed the other Impact goal after Ousted whiffed on a clearance attempt. Defenders Jordan Harvey and Kendall Waston supplied the Whitecaps' goals.

Box score

19' – MTL – Ignacio Piatti (Harry Shipp)
42' – MTL – Dominic Oduro (Ignacio Piatti)
45' – VAN – Jordan Harvey (Pedro Morales)
88' – MTL – Ignacio Piatti (Dominic Oduro)
93' – VAN –Kendall Waston (Christian Bolaños)
Full box score
Stats
Watch highlights

Three Things

NACHO, NACHO MAN: In the absence of Drogba, Piatti took the star turn for Impact. His skills on the ball vexed 'Caps defenders as he created havoc inside the Whitecaps' half of the field. His first goal was picturesque, while he showed all the patience of a veteran on the team's clincher.
'CAPS CONTINUE HOME STRUGGLES: Based on their away record in 2015, you would think the Whitecaps would have been closer to capturing the Supporters' Shield. The problem for Carl Robinson's squad was at home. They dropped 22 points at home and those issues continued on Sunday when the team came out flat and then failed to bounce back in time.
BUSH COMES UP BIG: Despite Piatti's efforts and the Whitecaps' slow start, Vancouver did not go down without a fight. The 'Caps forced goalkeeper Evan Bush into eight saves, with one standing out above the rest. In the 68th minute, Kekuta Manneh crossed the ball onto Octavio Rivero's head and Vancouver's Uruguayan forward tried to nod it into the side netting, but Bush made an incredible save to keep the scoreline at 2-1.