Impact win 'most important game of the season' against Red Bulls in CONCACAF Champions League

As they amble towards the end of a disastrous MLS season, the CONCACAF Champions League has given the Montreal Impact something to play for.

Defender Hassoun Camara told the Canadian Press that Wednesday night's group stage game at home against the New York Red Bulls was "the most important game of the season."

While that may have been true for Montreal, the game certainly didn't hold the same importance for their opponents. As they look to hold onto a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, the Red Bulls fielded a largely second-string side, with stars Thierry Henry, Tim Cahill, and Bradley Wright-Phillips not even included in the 18-man roster.

It didn't take long for Montreal to take advantage. Marco di Vaio's goal off an assist from Ignacio Piatti in the 16th minute was all the Impact needed and they held off the visitors in a 1-0 win.

Montreal now has nine points from their three games in the competition, putting themselves in position to advance to the knockout round. Only the group winner moves on, meaning New York (three points in two games) needs a win next week on the road against Salvadoran club C.D. FAS to have any chance of knocking Montreal off the top spot.

“I think [we’re] in a pretty good position right now. It’s in our hands," Impact head coach Frank Klopas told Sportsnet.ca after the game.

The two teams will meet again in the CCL group stage finale in Harrison, N.J. on October 22 and a win or a draw will guarantee Montreal's progression to the quarterfinals.

If the Impact need a result against the Red Bulls next month, they'll have to do it without Di Vaio, who will be suspended for the game after receiving his second yellow card of the group stage on Wednesday.