Stingy Montreal defence in form entering road matchup against Philadelphia Union
MONTREAL — The Montreal Impact have shown they can still compete without star player Ignacio Piatti, and they’ll need to keep that up for at least two more games.
Piatti will not be in the lineup Saturday afternoon when the Impact (3-2-2) visit the Philadelphia Union (3-3-1). The midfielder will also miss Wednesday’s game in New England as he recovers from a right knee injury.
The 34-year-old Argentine has missed Montreal’s last four games. The Impact have gone 1-1-2 in his absence, proving they can still earn points without him. They have not conceded a goal in their last three matches.
“We’re very aware of the perception of this team, what we are to other teams in the league,” defender Dan Lovitz said before training Friday. “To see us showing up there without Nacho, I’m sure their tails are going to be up a little bit and they’re going to be excited to play and think we’re going to be a lesser version of ourselves.