Club America were heavy favorites to not only win, but the win big. The Montreal Impact spoiled the party and are poised to take home the first CONCACAF Champions League trophy for both Major League Soccer and Canada.
Club America
Montreal Impact
The Montreal Impact achieved what many believed to be nearly impossible on Wednesday night at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. They dug deep, fought the crowd, and earned crucial first leg draw in the CONCACAF Champions League Final. And early goal by Ignacio Piatti put the visitors ahead, but it was an Oribe Peraltagoal in the final minutes that spoiled what would have been one of the greatest upsets in the short CCL history.
Club America will be kicking themselves for not putting this series away early. With 28 shots attempted, 16 corner kicks taken, 38 crosses played in, and 67 percent possession, a single goal and a draw feels like a defeat. A three or even five goal lead could have been earned, but the Impact played their game to perfection. Michael Arroyo appeared to have an equalizer for Piatti's 16th minute goal, but he was flagged offsides and the goal was waved off. Rubens Sambueza put a powerful shot off the crossbar in the 67th minute and Peralta nearly got a second within a minute of the first, but put it high from close range. What makes the result even more shocking is the venue. The legendary Estadio Azteca has hosted two World Cup Finals and is considered one of the toughest venues in all of Sports for visiting teams. The altitude and atmosphere are often too much for visitors to overcome.
Frank Klopas has found a way for the 4-2-3-1 to clog the middle and protect his defense to keep some of the most powerful offenses on the continent from running away with games. The oustanding defensive effort by the entire team can be credited with success Montreal has had in this tournament. Laurent Ciman and Bakary Soumare are a brilliant pairing in central defense. The two appear to be on the same page throughout their games. Donny Toia, formerly withChivas USA, has been outstanding at left back throughout the tournamet. All three are new additions in 2015. Hassoun Camara has a tendency to get a little careless or reckless, but even he has managed to reign it in. Calum Mallace and Nigel Reo-Coker, also acquire from Chivas, have been outstanding at defensive midfield and key in shielding the defense. No matter the four who the four attacking players are, they always seem to be in the right spots as they track back to cover. Pachuca, Alajuelense, and Club America all have potent offenses that can rip apart limited MLS squads, but Montreal has found a way to get it done. Their series wins against both Pachuca and Alajuelense came from aggregate draws with more away goals.
Despite the great team effort, Evan Bush has to be singled out. The man who has backed up Troy Perkins for the last few years has come out strong and done everything he can to help Montreal on this run. He saved several attempts by Club America that left fans wondering how he managed to do that. His eight saves may make this the best goalkeeping effort in CCL history.
In what is becoming typical of CONCACAF matches, this game was full of controversy. Michael Arroyo's supposed equalizer was likely onsides but the assistant referee flagged him offsides. Donny Toia appeared to be keeping him on and if Arroyo was off, it was be mere inches. Just before halftime, Domonic Oduro got loose on a breakaway and appeared to be free for a one on one with the keeper. Just outside the box, he was tugged down from behind byOsvaldo Martinez. The laws of the game state that denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity is an automatic red card and since Martinez was the last defender, he should have been sent off. Henry Rodriguez, the Honduran center official, opted for only a yellow. The ensuing free kick went off the wall and out of play and Rodriguez blew the whistle for halftime. The Impact once again complained about the decision. Since the take down happened in the 45th minute and the assistant referee showed one minute of stoppage time, there was likely time for the corner. A free kick off the wall does take a minute to go up and over the end line. Early in the second half, a high boot caught Ignacio Piatti and cleats raked his legs. Contact with studs is often seen as violent conduct or at least reckless play, but not even a foul was given. In an odd decision, the match was halted for the injury which is also not standard action for a non head injury.
Many spectators may have been shocked to see green laser pointers shining on Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush during the match. This has become typical of certain venues and fixtures in CONCACAF. Although unsporting, there really isn't a solution at this time for these devices.
These two teams will meet again on April 29th in Montreal atOlympic Stadium to decide the final. Montreal is looking to be the first Major League Soccer club to lift the CONCACAF Champions League trophy and they will have a chance to do so at home. Reports from Montreal have indicated the game has been sold out for nearly a week and a crowd of over 60,000 is expected. Montreal has a slight edge in the series as they head home with a single road goal. A win or a nil-nil draw would make them victorious. If the second game ends tied at one, extra time will be needed, but if Club America can manage two goals, Montreal will be forced to win the match. If the Impact want to become the first MLS side to win this tournament, they will need to continue playing the way they have and win at home. The Piatti led attack can counter on anyone and poach goals as they rely on their stalwart team defense.
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