Top Impact draft pick Fisher to make MLS debut
Montreal short on defenders after national team call-ups, injuries
The Impact and the L.A. Galaxy have three things in common as they prepare to meet in MLS action at Saputo Stadium on Saturday (8 p.m., RDS, TSN 690 Radio).
Both teams hold down playoff positions, both teams are desperate for a win to solidify those positions and both teams are missing key players.
That last factor has forced Impact coach Mauro Biello to make changes in his alignment, particularly in the back four, where rookie Kyle Fisher is scheduled to make his MLS debut.
The Impact is short on defenders after national team call-ups for 2015 MLS defender-of-the-year Laurent Ciman (Belgium) and Ambroise Oyongo (Cameroon) and injuries to Donny Toia and Victor Cabrera. Biello had hoped that Cabrera would return after missing last Saturday’s game in Orlando with a strained calf, but he’s still not 100 per cent.
Fisher, who was the team’s firstround choice (14th overall) in the 2016 MLS Superdraft after an AllAmerica university career at Clemson, is normally a centre back but he will move outside, while veteran Hassoun Camara moves to the middle with Wandrille Lefèvre.
“When you have a young player, you want to have him playing alongside a veteran who can give him some support,” said Biello. “We want to simplify Kyle’s game by moving him outside and Hassoun and Wandrille have played well together in the past.”
Maxim Tissot, who is normally a midfielder, will be the fourth player on the back line.
“We still have players that will be ready to go on Saturday,” said Camara.
“Of course, we’ll miss some important players but I’ve said from the beginning, we’ll take this league on as a unit.”
“Fisher’s been working very hard,” said Tissot. “I know he’s raring to go. He puts a lot of pressure on himself. I know he’ll be ready when he gets a chance. We’re testing our depth, but it’ll encourage players to give a bit more. It’s a new situation, but it’s up to the players to show what they can do.”
The Impact spent most of the week working on defence against set pieces.
That has been a major problem for the team this season and Biello said there will be an emphasis on preventive coverage.
“Whether we’re in a zone or a man (coverage), we have to make sure we’re marking the players in the box,” said Biello.
The defence is important because the Galaxy features a fastpaced attacking style that has produced a league-high 25 goals.
The Montreal Impact will get a boost from the return of Didier Drogba after he missed the Orlando game with a hip flexor injury. He has been on the receiving end of some rough play all season, but said he wasn’t concerned about the Galaxy’s physical defenders.
“Pit bulls only bite when they can get you but if you’re fast, they can’t get you,” said Drogba.
The Impact is also missing Johan Venegas, who has joined Costa Rica for the Copa America, and Biello said he was counting on Lucas Ontivero to boost his game. The 21-year-old Argentine has two assists in 10 appearances and is still adjusting to the more physical MLS game after spending several seasons in Europe.
The Impact has gone six games without a win — two losses and four draws — while the Galaxy has only one loss this season, but has five ties in 11 games.
The Galaxy has also been hurt by international call-ups. Robbie Keane (Ireland) and Baggio Husidic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) are competing in Euro 2016, while Gyasi Zardes has joined the U.S. for the Copa America.
Designated player Giovani dos Santos, the Galaxy’s leader in goals (five) and assists (five), turned down an invitation to play for Mexico.
The Galaxy also boasts two former English Premier League stars in Ashley Cole (Arsenal and Chelsea) and a homesick Steven Gerrard, who is reported to be on his way back to Liverpool as an assistant coach.
After Saturday’s game, the Impact will get a break from MLS action, but will play two Canadian Championship games against Toronto FC on June 1 in Toronto and on June 8 at Saputo Stadium.