Help Wanted: Goalkeeper to play in Cup Final

Evan Bush (pink jersey) is suspended

Help Wanted: Goalkeeper for CONCACAF Champions League final

Do you have great hands? Do you like wearing shirts with clashing colors? Want to play a soccer game in front of 60,000 people on Wednesday night? Then we might have the position for you!

The Montreal Impact are currently looking for a part-time goalkeeper to help our push to win the CONCACAF Champions League. Those applying must have at least 2-3 years of experience as a goalkeeper, be in peak physical condition, and an aversion for making rash challenges late in matches. Being fluent in the French language is a plus although ce n’est pas necessaire.

The position is for one match with the ability to extend an offer for a full-time position with the chance to play in the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan. Salary is contingent upon experience.

—

Soccer supporters here in North America are used to some pretty bizarre things. Running penalty kicks, backwards clocks, All-Star Games, homer announcers, everybody getting to the playoffs. But Sunday’s news that the Montreal Impact are looking to secure a one-game loan for a goalkeeper for the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League against Club America takes the gateau.

In a story that was first reported by Goal.com’s Nick Sabetti it was revealed that the Impact are seeking outside options for the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Final. Sabetti’s report revealed that the club was looking at Chicago Fire’s Sean Johnson, New York City FC’s Josh Saunders, and the Seattle Sounders Stefan Frei.

Since Sabetti’s report went public on Twitter, MLS has released an official statement to the Chicago Tribune stating “There is zero chance that Sean Johnson will be loaned to the Montreal Impact for the CONCACAF Champions League final.” So that puts that fantastic, but bizarre rumor to rest. But who will be suiting up for the Impact in the goalkeeping position on Wednesday night?

The Impact are in this unfortunate situation after Goalkeeper Evan Bush was issued a yellow card in the first leg of the CCL final. With his second card in as many matches, Bush will be suspended for the second leg against Club America.

Without Bush, the Impact are without a true starting goalkeeper. Bush’s deputy, Eric Kronberg, is cup-tied to Sporting Kansas City after having played for them in the Group Stage in this year’s tournament. The team does have Maxime Crepeau, a Homegrown Academy player, and John Smits, who is on loan from FC Edmonton, on their roster.

Of the two, Smits seems to be the ideal candidate. He won the 2014 NASL Golden Glove award for having the league’s lowest Goals Against Average. The 26-year old has made over 34 appearances with Edmonton but has yet to make an official appearance for the Impact. Crepeau is also coming off of a shoulder injury and is just 20 years old.

No matter who suits up for the Impact, the club will certainly be at a disadvantage on Wednesday night. Not having either of their top two goalkeepers available and having to rely upon players with minimal experience could put a strain on their defense. In the previous leg, America sent three-four attackers at a time to bombard the Impact defense. Montreal survived the first leg thanks in part to Bush’s goal-tending. Without him, their chances of winning MLS’ first-ever CCL title are diminished.