Ratings
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average, don’t follow up
Player profile:
- Nationality: Canadian
- Age: 25
- Date of birth: 12/11/1994
- Current Club: Montreal Impact
- Career: Metz (Y), Fortuna Düsselforf, Deportivo La Coruña B, Racing de Ferrol (L), Izarra, Montreal Impact
- Position: Defensive Midfield
- Secondary position: Central Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Piette had a solid game at the base of the Montreal midfield as his side suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Chicago Fire. The holding midfield player put on an above average defensive display, making some good tackles and sweeping up any loose balls to good effect. He is fairly short at 5’8 but is sturdily built and used his strength well in the tackle to muscle off opposition players. His anticipation was useful and allowed him to nip in front of opposition players and pick up stray passes, but the Canadian’s lack of pace hindered him at times as he struggled to keep up with some Chicago midfielders.
Wearing the captain’s armband, Piette showed good leadership qualities and was very professional in the way he performed. On the ball, he seemed composed when going sideways or backwards but lacked the required creativity when moving forward, seeing several of his passes easily read and intercepted. The midfielder rarely dribbled with the ball, yet acted well as a pivot at times, allowing more creative players to get on the ball.
Overall, a solid defensive display from Piette that was marred by his lack of pace and poor passing range in the midfield.
Rating: B2
Player profile:
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 19/01/1998
- Current Club: Montreal Impact, on loan from Bologna
- Career: Bologna, Brescia (L), Montreal Impact (L)
- Position: Right Wing
- Secondary position: Left Wing / Striker
- Preferred foot: Right
Okwonkwo showed brief glimpses of his ability in an otherwise quiet game for the Nigerian, who played on the right wing for Montreal. He is small but stocky and has a good burst of pace which looked at stages like it could cause real problems for the Chicago defence, with Okwonkwo making a good run in behind only to then sky his shot.
There was evidence of some nice interplay with his teammates, with some clever dummies and first time passes, yet the Bologna loanee also made several loose passes that let his performance down. His close control was fairly impressive and he used his strength well on the ball to shrug off his opponent. However, he did not drive at the Chicago defence enough and was unable to isolate the full back.
Overall, it was a disappointing performance from a player and team that failed to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
Rating: C
Player profile:
- Nationality: Canadian
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 05/09/1997
- Current Club: Montreal Impact
- Career: FC Edmonton, Montreal Impact
- Position: Central Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Shamit Shome worked hard but failed to have any impact on proceedings against Chicago Fire. He showed a willingness to run for his team and covered well from midfield at times, but aside from that he struggled throughout before being withdrawn after an hour. The 5’10” central midfielder was far too weak in the tackle and was easily shrugged off by his more physical opponents and this lead to him losing many individual duels and 50/50s.
The Canadian showed poor awareness, and was caught on his heels whilst waiting for the pass to arrive on several occasions, furthermore, he was partially at fault for Chicago’s opening goal as he was caught ball watching whilst his man got in front and scored. Some of his passes were easily read and apart from once or twice he failed to link up effectively with his teammates. All in all, Shome seemed to lack confidence and did not put on a good display.
Rating: D
Player profile:
- Nationality: Canadian
- Age: 21
- Date of birth: 07/02/1999
- Current Club: Montreal Impact
- Career: Montreal Impact
- Position: Left Wing
- Preferred foot: Right
Choiniere had a very disappointing performance on the left wing for Montreal. The 5’7 Canadian seemed to lack pace and strength, making him very weak in tackles and shoulder to shoulder duels. He fulfilled his defensive duties competently, tracking back when necessary to support the full back but further up the pitch he failed to threaten the opposition and lacked confidence in the final third.
He lost the ball on several occasions due to loose and telegraphed passes and although his close control was adequate it did not test the Chicago defence. Choiniere rarely offered for the ball and seemed to come very narrow at times, making it difficult for Montreal to stretch the play. A poor game all round for the 21 year old.
Rating: D