Now that Alistair Johnston has done his part, who will be the next CF Montreal defender to find the back of the net? If it can serve as a source of motivation, whoever achieves the feat will allow Wilfried Nancy’s troupe to equal another team record.
After 11 games, CF Montreal (6-3-2) not only sits first in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, helped by favorable tiebreakers, but they also sit atop their section with 22 goals scored. However, more than a quarter of these goals, six to be precise, were the work of defenders.
Last season, CF Montreal defenders tallied seven goals in 34 games on the schedule. Those of the 2013 vintage of the Montreal Impact had obtained the same total, according to information provided by a spokesperson for the team.
In Saturday night’s 2-0 win over Charlotte FC, Johnston became the club’s fifth different defender to score at least one goal since the start of the season.
It was enough to ask him if the defenders of the team were about to launch a friendly “pool” between them.
“It’s going towards that! Joel [Waterman] had scored in the previous game, and I know that comments started circulating that it was my turn. So I was happy to settle this issue very quickly! said Johnston with a big smile on his face after the team’s practice session at Center Nutrilait on Monday.
“I’m curious to see who will finish first! But I think the helpers should be worth something too! And right now I think I lead all the defenders [de l’équipe] in this chapter. I’ll save myself with this! added Johnston, in an equally humorous tone.
In fact, Johnston shares the top spot at CF Montreal with Djordje Mihailovic, with four assists.
Moreover, within the group of defenders of the team, Zorhan Bassong, Gabriele Corbo and Robert Thorkelsson, who have been used rather sporadically so far, are the only ones looking for a first goal in 2022.
However, the collective aspect remains the most important, and in this regard, certain details deserve attention. Like the fact that a CF Montreal defender has hit the target in each of the team’s last three outings. In addition, several goals from the defenders were scored at important moments.
Maturity
For example, in a 2-1 win at the New York Red Bulls on April 9, Rudy Camacho scored the equalizer in the 71and minute of play.
On April 30, against Atlanta United at Saputo Stadium, Kamal Miller struck the ropes in the fourth minute to open the scoring.
A week later, Waterman hit the target at the 21and minute to give CF Montreal a 1-0 lead en route to a 4-1 win over Orlando City SC.
On Saturday, Johnston’s goal, which allowed CF Montreal to double its lead, came in the 67and minute of play. Thus, he placed the troop of Wilfried Nancy in a much more comfortable position, after the net of Mihailovic at the very end of the first half.
“I think it’s a sign of what our team is. Before starting the second half, we knew that the next goal would be of paramount importance. Yes [le Charlotte FC] had it scored and tied the score, the fans would have supported their players even more,” remarked Johnston.
“Having that second goal gave the group a kind of sense of calm, and everyone was able to relax a bit. And as the seconds ticked away for those last 20 minutes, we put on a very professional performance. I think that indicates how mature this group has become since the start of the season. »