When United host the Montreal Impact on Sunday, July 31, it marks the first of three matchups between the two Eastern Conference sides in 2016. As the race to stay above the red line heats up in the final three months of the season, here's how the Black-and-Red's opponents have fared so far.
Dynamic Duo
United will have their hands full with the Impact's offense, headlined by the 37-years-young Didier Drogba and Argentine playmaker Ignacio Piatti. The two attacking players have combined for 20 goals and 10 assists, more than 50 percent of Montreal's goals for the year. Both players were named to the MLS All-Star game, where Drogba scored the league's only goal in the 2-1 loss to Arsenal on Thursday, July 28. United's All-Star defender Steve Birnbaum, along with the rest of his back line and goalkeeper Bill Hamid, will need to constantly be aware of both players. Neutralizing Piatti's movement and Drogba's physicality is key for D.C.
Roster Moves
While United have been quite active during the transfer window, the Impact have as well. They recently re-acquired defensive midfielder Hernan Bernardello from Spanish club Alavés as well as allocation money from the Houston Dynamo in exchange for Eric Alexander. Bernardello, a five-foot-nine Argentine, played for Montreal previously in 2013 as a Designated Player.
Opposing Forces
United's defense, which is ranked second-best in the East even after their loss in Toronto last weekend, is going up against one of the best offenses in the league. Montreal is tied for second in goals scored with 35 while the Black-and-Red have only allowed 25 all season. With home-field advantage and history in their favor (United have held the Impact scoreless at RFK for over 120 consecutive minutes), look for D.C. to shut down the high-octane French Canadian offense.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 PM ET on NewsChannel 8.
