We write and talk a lot about how maddeningly inconsistent New York has been all year, very good at times and then so hard on the eyes at others.
But you know which other MLS Eastern Conference contender – perhaps today we will soon be saying “former MLS Eastern Conference contender” – is ridiculously inconsistent? That would be the Montreal Impact
A couple of weeks back Marco Schallibaum’s club clobbered Houston. The head-spinning 5-0 result was the worst loss ever for the two-time MLS Cup runner-up. Not long after that, Montreal went into New England and properly exploited the 10-man Revs, taking three points on the road.
But since then they have lost to Columbus at home, been spanked at San Jose in CONCACAF Champions League appearance and …
… Saturday, the Impact hopes of an Eastern Conference title (and a bid for Supporters Shield) took a hit in a 3-0 loss to Vancouver. It really wasn’t a 3-0 match; Camilo’s two late goals for Vancouver turned a 1-0 game into something that looked like a blowout.
Plus, David Ousted’s steady work in Vancouver goal helped keep the home team at bay.
Still, a club that cannot score at home can’t expect any points. Plus, Montreal now goes on the road for two MLS matches, at Chicago and at Houston. So consider Saturday as “big opportunity squandered” from the Impact side.
From Vancouver’s side, what a huge three points for Martin Rennie’s Whitecaps. They moved temporarily ahead of Dallas for sixth spot in the West, still one place out of the playoffs but in a far better place than when they woke up Saturday morning.
One other interesting element: Rennie decided not to start Camilo (pictured), a fairly sizable gambit considering his top forward is a Golden Boot candidate. Rennie’s choice seems vindicated since Camilo came on as a sub to secure the win with those two late goals. It looks like more Martin Rennie over-thinking – but it worked like a peach on Saturday.
Camilo now as 16 goals, tied with Mike Magee for second in the league going into Saturday’s evening matches.