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MLS is a crazy place. Despite the Union being in 9th place in the Eastern Conference, sporting the only points per game number below one in the league and having have the worst goal differential in the league, they're still technically in the hunt for a playoff spot. And since that tiny sliver of hope still exists, Jim Curtin is going to do everything in his power to get this team to the playoffs, despite how hopeless it appears to the majority of fans. The Union will look to finally start their winning streak this Saturday against in Saputo Stadium as they face the Montreal Impact for the last time this season.
The last time the two teams faced off the Union were trying their hardest to give up an early lead and all three points until Maurice Edu scored a 75th minute goal to salvage a draw. Unfortunately for the Union, Montreal have star center back Laurent Ciman back with the team and the Impact should see their preferred defensive line-up reunited.
The Union will have yet another thing working against them: the addition of Didier Drogba into the Montreal line-up. It is unclear and probably unlikely that Drogba makes the starting XI this Saturday, but he will at least be on the bench for the clash against the Union. It remains to be seen how big of an impact (badum tiss) Drogba will have in Montreal but it would be foolish for the Union not to be concerned about his presence.
Players to Watch
For Montreal, the obvious choice has to be Ignacio Piatti. The midfielder has eight goals and four assists this season and has proved to be one of the more dangerous attackers in MLS. The Union's defense has showed no signs of improvement from the last time these two teams met meaning Piatti could be in for a big day.
Who else but Cristian Maidana? The Argentinian has been in excellent form as of late, nabbing a hat-trick of assists in the draw against Chicago. Tranquillo Barnetta may be the new big name with the squad, but Maidana is the person that makes the Union offense work. If anyone is going to pick apart this Montreal defense, he's going to be the person to do it.
Final Prediction
This is definitely a game the Union can win, I just don't think they will win. Despite the Union's need for a win right now, they have simply not shown they are capable of winning when it matters. I have no doubt that the Union will put up some goals and make for an entertaining evening, but their defense is just too poor to ignore.
With that said, I'm calling a 3-2 win for Montreal.