Montreal crush Philadelphia with a 4-0 win

Newly acquired winger Lassi Lappalainenal scores brace in MLS debut.

In an Eastern Conference match up north of the border, the Philadelphia Union visited the Montreal Impact at the Stade Saputo in Quebec. These teams obtained different results during last week’s play as the Union defeated the Chicago Fire last week’s 2-0 and Montreal lost 2-1 to the Colombus Crew. 

The action began quickly when the Impact scored in the 4th minute of the game. Zachary Brault-Guillard ran from the right side of the field alluding the Philadelphia defenders and finding the newly acquired Lassi Lappalainenal. The Finland international maneuvered around the Union goalkeeper for an easy tap in and his first MLS goal. Lappalainenal was recently acquired this week on loan from Italian club Bologna.

The Union defense looked shaky at the start of the game constantly giving away the ball in their own half and unable to connect with their midfield counterparts. Philadelphia slowly began to build momentum and connect as the game wore on but still left too much space through the middle.

Montreal struck again before the half when Orji Okwonkwo hit a shot from the right side of the box after a pass from Ignacio Piatti. The play originated when Piatti pressured Raymon Gaddis on the right side of Philadelphia’s half causing him to give up the ball to Orji Okwonkwo who took one touch inside the box and put in the back of the net.

The Philadelphia Union almost got on the board in the 39th minute after Alejandro Bedoya linked up with Kacper Przybylko in the box. Kacper hit the left post after a shot from the center of the box that left the keeper stunned. Montreal closed the half dominating possession and heading to their locker rooms confident in their first-half play.

The second period of play began exactly how the first one did with Lassi Lappalainenal scoring once again. The Union defense was caught flat-footed once again when Lappalainenal dashed unmarked on the left side of the field and struck a low ball past Philadelphia’s keeper Andre Blake.

Philadelphia’s manager tried to stop the bleeding by bringing two substitutes right after the 3rd goal. The Union switched to three in the back as Wooten came on for Real and Ilsinho replaced Brenden Aaronson. The changes had no real effect on the game as the Montreal supporters got to ring the bell for 4th time in the game as Okwonkwo obtained his brace in the 66th minute. 

Overall, the Union looked lost and overmatched, a total opposite from last week’s win at home. Marco Fabian was unable to create the chances and impact that he had against the Chicago Fire last week The Montreal Impact made sure to pressure the middle and create chances off of missed passes and interceptions. Philadelphia will have no time to lament today’s loss as they will visit the D.C United, one of the teams that’s on their heels for the Eastern Conference top spot. 

Montreal will look to build a winning streak in their net match against the Colorado Rapids. Montreal tends to struggle away from home but today’s win and the addition of Lappalainenal to the attacking front might help them break away from the middle of the pack of the Eastern Conference.