FC Edmonton vs. Montreal Impact: 10 Bold Predictions

Apr 26, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Montreal Impact fans cheer during the first half against Philadelphia Union at the Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports.

Colin Miller’s FC Edmonton and Frank Klopas’s Montreal Impact clash in the semifinals of the 2014 Amway Canadian Championship. FC Edmonton, of the North American Soccer League (NASL), defeated fellow NASL side Ottawa Fury 3-1 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Montreal are the No. 1 seed in the semifinals based on their league finish last year in MLS. They are also the defending Voyageurs Cup holders.

Kickoff at Clark Stadium in Edmonton, Alb. is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MT/9:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by Sportsnet One. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for the first leg of the Amway Canadian Championship semifinals between FC Edmonton and the Montreal Impact.

1. At least 30 fouls and four cards

This is one of those David-vs.-Goliath matchups that a lot of people in Canada will talk about. So expect the chippiness between the Eddies and L’Impact to be prevalent. The MLS Multiplex boldly predicts at least 30 fouls and four cards.

2. Daryl Fordyce will score for FC Edmonton

Daryl Fordyce is a player that knows how to score. He scored a brace against the Furty in the second leg of the Preliminary Round on Apr. 30 at Clarke Stadium and should be able to score once again.

3. At least five saves for John Smits

This is going to be a tough going for Edmonton goalkeeper John Smits. He will make at least five saves but will give up a ton of goals in this one.

4. Under five saves for Troy Perkins

Smits’s counterpart, Montreal netminder Troy Perkins, won’t have to do too much in this first leg. Under five saves will need to be made from Perkins in this contest.

5. Justin Mapp with two assists

Justin Mapp is the Montreal Impact’s top provider with three assists in league play. He’ll add another two more to the tally.

6. Marco Di Vaio with a brace

Marco Di Vaio just knows how to score goals. Period. So go ahead and chalk up a brace for Di Vaio in this one.

7. Felipe Martins on goal for L’Impact

Felipe Martins is Montreal’s top goalscorer with two goals this season. He’ll add to the pain of the home fans on Wednesday.

8. Here comes Andres Romero

Andres Romero has also found the net this season in MLS play, and he will also find the net on Wedneday against Edmonton.

9. No goals for Jack McInerney

On the other hand, new acquisition Jack McInerney will have it tough to score goals against an Edmonton side that will be ready for him. The Plex calls for a rough day for Jack Mac.

10. Montreal flies through first leg

There is a reason why the Montreal Impact are the defending Voyageurs’ Cup holders. They have the talent that can make winning this trophy a habit. L’Impact can take it easy in the second leg, but knowing Frank Klopas, that’s easier said than done.

Montreal Impact 4, FC Edmonton 1