In a match most notable for a Jalil Anibaba goal-line clearance to deny an Impact goal — and the return of Ignacio Piatti after a two-month absence — the Montreal Impact and New England Revolution fought to a 0-0 draw at Stade Saputo on Saturday afternoon.
Though the Impact dominated first-half play, with more than a 2-1 possession over the first 45 minutes, neither team could find an opening goal. Maximiliano Urruti came closest, breaking free on a 1 v. 1 with Revs keeper Matt Turner in the 34th minute, but his chip toward goal was saved off the line by a sliding Anibaba to keep things scoreless.
The second half saw the Revs bring a little more heat, including some chances and runs from Teal Bunbury that looked promising, and a 78th-minute free kick opportunity in which Juan Agudelo chose to play a pass to Bunbury rather than attempt a close-range shot himself.
But the most electric moment of the half, certainly for the home fans, was the 66th-minute sub that brought Piatti to game action for the first time in two months.
Goals
- None
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: For the Impact, the result keeps them in playoff position, and Piatti's return to the field is obviously a big boost for a team that's done well in his absence. The Revs, meanwhile, continue to be undefeated in with Mike Lapper as the interim coach (1 win, 1 draw). Lapper will have at least one more match in charge before Bruce Arena takes over.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Anibaba's run and sliding clearance proved more and more important as the match went on and goal chances proved to be more and more wanting.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Though none of the chances he created ultimately panned out, Carles Gil engineered moves forward that made the Impact defend. Evan Bush, who made four saves and kept the clean sheet draw, also deserves MOTM consideration.
Next Up
- MTL: Friday, May 24 at LAFC (10:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+, TSN and TVAS in Canada, YouTube TV in LA region)
- NE: Saturday, May 25 at D.C. United (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+, DAZN in Canada, FloFC in D.C. region, NBC Sports Boston)
