

Posted by

Kamal Hylton ,

February 14, 2014 Email

Kamal Hylton

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@KamalHylton

The Montreal Impact's recent signing of 21 year-old Uruguayan forward Santiago Gonzalez has been the first true acquisition in the Frank Klopas era. MLS Super Draft aside, the lack of activity from Montreal's new head coach has been a contentious issue for the fan base and something the likes of defender Matteo Ferrari have pointed out.



However, the young attacker from Uruguayan side Sud América who is described by Sporting Director Nick De Santis on the official team site as "a dynamic forward that moves very well and can play with his back to the goal" will get an immediate chance to showcase himself. Veteran forward Marco Di Vaio coming off a 20 goal campaign is suspended for the first three games of the season, a ban that stems from a red card received during the 2013 MLS Wild Card playoff game against Houston Dynamo.



There has been much criticism surrounding the lack of forward options in Montreal. Andrew Wenger's struggles as a goal scorer have been well documented and a switch to midfield might be in the cards, while at the moment of writing drafted forwards Pete Caringi and Jordan Ongaro are currently unsigned.



Montreal opens the season with a tough stretch of games before Di Vaio would be eligible to return, traveling to Texas to play FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo before hosting Seattle Sounders in the home opener at Olympic Stadium.



Much of how Montreal will forge a plan of attack will depend on how they look in preseason. Their performance in the 2013 Disney Pro Classic was a major contributor to the club’s strong start, getting wins in their first four matches away to Seattle and Portland and home to Toronto FC and New York Red Bulls.



Coming into the 2014 edition of the tournament as defending champions, the goal will be to once again treat this as a springboard to an equally strong start.



Without question the main source of attacking play and ball control will come from the Impact's midfield unit. The holding midfield duo of newly named captain Patrice Bernier and Argentine Designated Player Hernan Bernardello will provide stability. Justin Mapp will be looking to have an equally successful year to a 2013 season that came as a surprise to everyone and Brazilian midfielder Felipe has already stated he likes the role Klopas has planned for him.



Even with all of this, goal production up front will be vital, as opposition defenses will have worked out ways to stop Montreal's Italian forward.



The key this pre-season will be figuring out adjustments to not having Di Vaio up front. Giving a player like Gonzalez ample playing time could very well be that answer and one that ultimately allows Klopas to accomplish two goals, giving the new signing time to learn his teammates while also showing confidence in him to play focused and pressure free.