Preview: Montreal Impact vs. DC United | MLS is Back Tournament, Group C

D.C., Montreal close out Group C seeking Round of 16 berth

MLS is Back Tournament - Jul 21 - MTLvsDC

2020 MLS is Back Tournament – Group C, Matchday 14
Montreal Impact vs. D.C. United
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Tues., July 21 – 10:30 PM ET


TV: TUDN; TVA Sports, TSN in Canada


STREAMING: Twitter; TUDN App in USA; TSN App, TVA Sports App in Canada


The final game in Group C features managers new and old, as longtime D.C. United leader Ben Olsen and new Montreal Impact boss Thierry Henry duke it out. That in itself provides plenty of intrigue, as do each club's Knockout Round aspirations.


Both teams remain alive for a spot in the Round of 16. A win would book United's spot and, interestingly, set up a three way tie at the top of the group with D.C., Toronto and New England all on five points. Meanwhile, a win keeps the Impact alive with the possibility of advancing as a top-four third-placed team, so this could be an open, attacking slugfest. Both teams are also seeking their first win, though United have nabbed a pair of draws, while Henry's Impact suffered consecutive defeats.


Montreal Impact


Henry has seen improvement in his team game over game, but the results are still not there. He thinks there were stretches when they were very good against Toronto FC, but they still conceded four goals in the Canadian Classique defeat. Can the Impact put it all together for 90 minutes? It's now or never. 

Preview: Montreal Impact vs. DC United | MLS is Back Tournament, Group C - Project Starting XI

Updated team roster

  • Injury Report:
    • OUT: Steeven Saba (M) - foot injury
    • OUT: Ballou Tabla (M) - adductor injury
    • UNAVAILABLE: Rudy Camacho (D)
  • Suspended: None
  • Suspended after next caution: None
  • International duty: None


D.C. United


D.C. United have come from behind in both of its matches in Orlando to score a second-half equalizer and share the points. And they've leaned on Federico Higuain in a super sub role to do so. They'll scratch and claw against Montreal, because it's what they always do under Olsen, but the longtime coach said Henry's Impact pose a tactical conundrum. It's hard to figure out how Montreal will lineup and who will be on the field. As for Olsen's XI, Junior Moreno returns from suspension and is available for selection.

Preview: Montreal Impact vs. DC United | MLS is Back Tournament, Group C - Project Starting XI
  • Updated team roster
  • Injury Report:
    • OUT: Paul Arriola (M) - knee injury
    • OUT: Emmanuel Boateng (M) - hamstring injury
  • Suspended: None
  • Suspended after next caution: None
  • International duty: None


Series Matchup


  • Impact: 5 wins, 19 goals
  • D.C. United: 7 wins, 27 goals
  • 7 draws


Officials


  • Referee: Alex Chilowicz
  • Assistant Referees: Apolinar Mariscal, Felisha Mariscal
  • 4th Official: Guido Gonzales Jr.
  • VAR: Rubiel Vazquez