Playing away from the comforts of Toyota Park for a fifth time in six games, the Fire hoped Wednesday to return to a venue where they'd previously scored an uplifting road victory and recreate that magic.
But the positive memories of a 3-0 win at Montreal's Stade Saputo on August 20, 2016 were instead turned upside down by Wednesday's 3-0 defeat at the hands of a surging Impact side. For Veljko Paunovic and the Fire (12-7-5, 41 pts.), the result felt like a missed opportunity to establish more confidence on the road and gain momentum ahead of Saturday's showdown with Toronto FC.
"We didn’t do our job well," Paunovic said succinctly after the match. "We made defensive mistakes. But we have to move forward, we have a very important game in just a couple of days against Toronto and it’s probably the match of the season."
Injuries to Matt Polster and Brandon Vincent denied Paunovic his first-choice outside backs going into the match, and within six minutes Wednesday a calf strain to centerback Joao Meira removed a third regular from the Fire's back line. The dynamic Ignacio Piatti quickly capitalized on a chance in the box in the moments after Meira's injury and exit, and the Impact had the dream start they desired.
Still, the Fire responded positively after the goal, settling play and keeping possession for much of the half. There was a new piece in Wednesday's attacking unit, as 18-year-old Homegrown product Djordje Mihailovic made his first MLS start in an advanced midfield position.
"It’s a great step and something I looked forward to in my career," said Mihailovic, who had registered seven league appearances as a reserve this season prior to Wednesday's 82-minute shift. "It’s a disappointing result for the team though and I tried to help the team win but obviously it’s disappointing."
Two goals in rapid succession late in the first half gave Montreal all the confidence needed to see out the match, and left the Fire -- who were shut out in MLS for the first time since June 4 -- eager for a quick turnaround and a return to the home venue that's been the site of a remarkable nine-game winning streak.
"It’s an important statement that we are very efficient at home," Paunovic said. "For us, playing at home is always a good possibility to get points. But we have to understand that we have to get better and raise our level. [Saturday] is a great opportunity to bounce back."
