Bush, Taider shine in win as Montreal Impact fight for playoffs

Julian McKenzie

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Bush, Taider shine in win as Montreal Impact fight for playoffs image

MONTREAL---The Montreal Impact no longer control their own destiny, and manager Remi Garde knows this well. 

“I can’t do anything,” Garde said following a 3-0 victory over the Columbus Crew at Saputo Stadium Saturday afternoon. “There are things we just can’t control. I won’t tell you I’m not nervous.” 

Saphir Taïder scored a goal and had two assists, while Evan Bush had a clean sheet with nine saves in a win that keeps the Impact five points up on their nearest rival, D.C. United, in the Eastern Conference standings. Alejandro Silva and Ignacio Piatti also tallied goals for the club. 

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“Every single guy’s going to have to make a difference,” Bush noted. “I came in priding myself on doing my job and letting the rest of it take care of itself.” 

Added midfielder Samuel Piette, “Saphir’s an important player for us. He did well today. Me and [midfielder] Micheal Azira, we sat a little more behind so we could give him more freedom.” 

Montreal entered Saturday’s contest two points up on seventh place D.C. United in the standings. United, who have three games in hand over the Impact, wallopped Montreal 5-0 last weekend at RFK Stadium, tightening the race for the final playoff spot. The Impact now have two games left in the season, while D.C. will play four of their next five matches at home. 

“We know that destiny is no longer at our feet,” Taïder lamented. “We gave it our all tonight and we have to win our next two games, and hope that [D.C.] has a faux-pas.”

During Saturday's game, Bush made one of his stellar saves in the 13th minute as Columbus’ Pipa Higuain launched a long ball to Harrison Afful. The wing-back then found himself one-on-one with Bush, but the American goalkeeper ran out of his net and saved the shot. 

Bush came up huge for Montreal at later points in the match as well, quickly punching away a header from Gyasi Zardes in the first half and tipping a curling Mike Grella shot late in the second frame. 

“Evan saved us,” Taïder commented. “He’s a leader before being a goalkeeper. Again tonight, he proved to be important for us.” 

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In the 29th minute. winger Silva attempted to pass the ball into the Columbus penalty area, only for the ball to hit the arm of defender Josh Williams. The play wasn’t initially whistled for a handball, but referee Alan Kelly soon called for the video assistant referee. 

Following a quick review, a penalty was awarded to the Impact. Taïder stepped up to the spot and fired home the first goal of the match. 

“I wanted to take the penalty [shot],” said the Castres, France native. “I spoke with [Piatti] about taking one a couple days ago, and he gave me the okay.” 

Moments before halftime, Taïder fed Silva with a pass and let the Uruguayan dribble his way forward before burying it to make it 2-0 for the home team. 

Montreal’s third of the day came in the 59th minute thanks to a Piatti marker as Taïder, once again, provided an assist. The Argentinian rushed up the left side wing before firing one past goalkeeper Zack Steffen. 

The Impact’s victory also provided a serious dent in rival Toronto FC’s playoff hopes. With the Impact's win, and Toronto's loss later in the day to Vancouver, the defending MLS Cup champs were eliminated from playoff contention. 

Following the coming international break, Toronto and Montreal will play at Saputo Stadium Oct. 21. The Impact’s final regular season game will be a road game against the New England Revolution Oct. 28.

Only time will tell if they'll be on the pitch after that.

Julian McKenzie