Montreal #1 vs. Syracuse #3
Congratulations to both teams for advancing to the Eastern Conference finals. Montreal was able to overcome its playonemesis Rochester and managed to continue its stingy defense against a potent Rhino attack.
Syracuse also deserves credit for beating a tough and experienced playoff side in Richmond. The fact that the series went to PK’s demonstrates how even the two teams were. This is Syracuse’s first foray into the postseason and they are acquitting themselves admirably.
Offense:
Montreal forward Eduardo Sebrango has hit form at precisely the right time and scored both goals in the Impact’s 2-0 aggregate win over the Rhinos. Syracuse will need to keep a close watch on him. They should know him well already, however, as he scored both Montreal goals versus Syracuse in the regular season.
Syracuse is very effective in scoring goals though set-pieces and has veteran midfielder Ian Woan available to send in potent free kicks from anywhere in the offensive third.
Advantage: Montreal
Defense:
Montreal conceded the fewest goals of any team in the regular season and has kept form in the playoffs by posting a pair of shutouts. Goalkeeper Greg Sutton and defenders Gabe Gervais and Nevio Pizzolito lead a very tight and stingy defensive unit. Gervais and midfielder Sandro Grande may be tired as both return to Montreal after midweek National Team duty with Canada.
Syracuse will have to use its veteran defensive leadership of Scott Schweitzer and Rene Rivas to nullify the offensive threat of Eduardo Sebrango, Mauro Biello and Joel-John Bailey.
Advantage: Montreal
Intangibles:
Syracuse has beaten Montreal twice this year after the first game ended in a 0-0 tie. This will help Syracuse mentally, particularly in the first match at P & C Stadium. Syracuse also has the advantage of momentum and keeps finding ways to win games as evidenced by their incredible regular season finish (11-3-1) and their playoff win over Richmond that was decided by a penalty shootout. The fact that Montreal is favored to make the A-League final increases the pressure on the Impact and can only help the Salty Dogs.
Advantage: Syracuse
Prediction: I predict Montreal will represent the Eastern Conference in the A-League Final. I think the steadiness and overall quality of the Impact outweighs the intangibles that Syracuse brings into the series.
Mike Anhaeuser is the new head coach of the Charleston Battery; he was a key member of the Battery coaching staff that won the 2003 A-League Championship. The thoughts and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do represent the views of USL or USLsoccer.com.
