Montreal beats DC United to advance in MLS Cup Playoffs

From there, Montreal’s midfield took over and its top playmakers had one of their most dominant performances of the season.

Montreal advanced by defeating D.C. United, 4-2, in a knockout round game on Thursday night in D.C.

Whether they can go for a repeat and get past the Red Bulls in the second leg of the conference semifinals is now the toughest question Biello faces.

The last away game against NY ended in controversy as Drogba got in a shouting match with some fans.

Between games, though, Montreal owner Joey Saputo released a statement indicating he’d personally met with his 38-year-old Designated Player to resolve any lingering issues. “It was important for us to establish our shape early and not give them space. To press for 90 minutes is hard and if we’re able to manage the momentum the game and have possession we’re going to find openings”.

The Red Bulls were prohibitive favorites to win this series, and you can make the argument they employed a strategy against Montreal that placed more of an emphasis on next week’s home match than on the task in front of them Sunday.

Drogba, who missed the last three games, was to take warmup on Saturday to see if his stiff back was strong enough to play.

The Red Bulls played more cautiously than their usual attacking style, and it looked at times like they would have been content leaving Montreal with a 0-0 result. “If he’s healthy, he will be available”. The Italian striker received a pass from Marco Donadel and blasted his volley into the net. They weren’t playing completely in a bunker – NY were more than willing to launch forward when Montreal gave them an opening – but they weren’t looking to do much of anything that could expose themselves or risk making stupid mistakes that could cost them a goal or losing a player to a suspension.

With D.C. pushing to cut into the Montreal lead, Mancosu delivered a death blow for the hosts when he headed home at the near post from a great ball in by Ambroise Oyongo. The Impact have never won at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., where the second leg is to be played next week.

Defender Hassoun Camara ran past a defender inside the penalty area in the 37th minute but he could not get his shot on goal.

On Sunday, Mancosu – who spent his entire career in Italy’s lower divisions before making his top-flight debut at 30 – was at it again.

The Impact outshot D.C. United 9-5 in the opening half.

Toronto dominated play in the second half but could not finish until Altidore latched onto a loose ball and blasted home from close range.

“Regardless of what people want to believe, how things went – and I’m sure there was some hurt feelings along the way on both sides – the back injury is a real thing, and hopefully he can get himself ready for some time in the next couple of games”.

Against DC, Mancosu made it 3-0 in the 58th minute on his second goal of the contest.

“I think we have good form”, Sporting KC coach Peter Vermes said.