In what was the return of former striker Jack McInerney to PPL Park, the Union beat the Montreal Impact 2-1 thanks to two goals from Sebastien Le Toux.
The Union put out a new starting eleven; a 4-2-3-1 formation. Added to the back line was Carlos Valdes at center back, the Union’s latest signing. Next to him was Ethan White, in right back was Sheanon Williams and left back was Raymon Gaddis. The defensive midfield consisted of Maurice Edu and Brian Carroll. The attacking midfield was made of Danny Cruz, Vincent Nogueira, and Sebastien Le Toux. And at center forward was Conor Casey. Center back and usual starter Amobi Okugo was excluded from the lineup for reasons unknown.
Thankfully for the Union, Marco Di Vaio would not be starting for the Impact but other talents such as Justin Mapp and Patrice Bernier would be contributing to the Impact’s cause.
It only took Le Toux 12 minutes to score the first goal of the night to put the Union up 1-0. The goal was a result of sloppiness and miscommunication on Montreal’s behalf which allowed the frenchman to steal the ball right in their own box and effortlessly put the ball in the back of the net.
Le Toux’s second goal came in the 63rd minute. Andrew Wenger was on the ball and advancing towards to Impact’s goal. Running alongside him were Nogueira and Le Toux. Wenger made a pass which appeared to be indented for Nogueira however it ran long and found the feet of Le Toux. Le Toux then shuffled the ball to the side to create space for himself and sent the ball flying into goal.
The Impact responded to in the 79th minute with a goal from Maxim Tissot of a free kick taken by Andres Romero. Fortunately there just wasn’t enough time for Montreal to equalize despite the ref allowing an extra seven minutes of stoppage.
This win boosted the Union into 5th place, now above the Columbus Crew who have the exact same 27 points. This exemplifies how every single game counts if the Union want to play in the postseason.
The Union’s next game is Tuesday, August 12th at 8pm EST where they will take on FC Dallas in the semifinal of the Lamar Hunt Open Cup.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
