Impact star Piatti suspended for NYCFC clash

If the Montreal Impact are going to best Eastern Conference table-toppers New York City FC on Sunday at the Stade Saputo, they will have to do so without Argentine stud Ignacio Piatti.

Piatti was handed a one-match ban Friday by MLS for a dangerous foul during the club's 1-1 draw against Portland on Wednesday, according to a statement on the league's website.

The 31-year-old attacker was also fined an undisclosed amount by the disciplinary committee for the tackle, as per league policy.

The incident took place in the 18th minute, when Piatti went in studs-up from behind on Alvas Powell. Referee Allen Chapman brandished a yellow card for the tackle.

Speaking after the match about the play, Chapman conceded: "After reviewing the play, in our opinion the slow motion video reveals that a sendoff for a serious foul play was warranted."

Piatti's efforts Wednesday against the Timbers weren't all for not, as the attacker scored late in the opening half - his eleventh goal of the campaign - to share the spoils with the Cascadians.

The Argentine's absence from Sunday's clash with Patrick Vieira's lot will be a major void, as he has started 17 of the Impact's 18 league matches, leading the club with a 11 goals - second only to NYCFC's David Villa's 12.