United enter Saturday night’s match against the Montreal Impact with a chance to define their season as they chase down the final spot in the 2018 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. The Impact, who currently occupy the sixth and final spot, are just five points ahead of United with four games remaining in their schedule.
With a win, United could pull within two points on Montreal and still have two games in hand on their rivals from the north. A victory on Saturday would mean the Black-and-Red control their own destiny in the remaining games of the regular season.
Aside from the July 14th opener, Saturday’s match will be the biggest regular season game in Audi Field’s young history, and United is fully aware of it.
“The race in the East is tight,” defender Steven Birnbaum said. “Basically, all these games are must-wins for us. That’s how we’re looking at it. We have to win each game, especially at home.”
That home-field advantage will play a massive factor in Saturday’s match, as United have been near dominant in their new home where they have outscored opponents 22-13.
The United attack should also get a boost from the probable return of winger Yamil Asad to the starting XI. Asad had missed four straight games while dealing with an injury and made his return as a substitute in United’s 3-3 draw against the New York Red Bulls, where he made an immediate impact by assisting Luciano Acosta’s 87th minute go-ahead goal.
Asad has been one of United’s key offensive cogs this season scoring nine goals, which is just one behind Darren Mattocks for the team lead. Asad has also combined with Wayne Rooney and fellow Argentinian Acosta to provide a secondary scoring option when defenses hone in on the formidable duo.
In United’s last meeting with the Impact, Asad scored the game-tying goal to secure a draw at Stade Saputo. This time around he and the United attack will look to secure a more decisive result.
Asad will line up against fellow Argentinian, and Montreal’s creative fulcrum, Ignacio Piatti, who leads the Impact in goals (13), assists (13), and chances created (53).
Piatti is especially dangerous on the counter, where his speed and creativity allows him to exploit teams who play more aggressively. That ability has been key for Montreal in earning points on the road, including a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Union earlier this month.
If United intend to win on Saturday, they must be prepared to disrupt Piatti and limit Montreal’s chances to counter.
Saturday’s match will feature a playoff atmosphere, and while it remains to be seen if the Black-and-Red will qualify for the postseason, they know a win will go a long way toward bringing the playoffs to Audi Field for the first time ever.
