In an effort to create more offense and maximize his players' potential last year, Mauro Biello transitioned IMFC's formation from a 4-2-3-1 into a 4-3-3.
By doing this, Biello essentially eliminated the centre attacking midfield (CAM) position, thus moving Ignacio Piatti to the left side. In place of the CAM and two holding midfielders, Impact fans saw three central midfielders (usually Marco Donadel, Patrice Bernier, and Calum Mallace/Nigel Reo-Coker) who would take a flat, horizontal position across the field when attacking (i.e. left/centre/right).
When defending, the central midfielders were expected to step slightly toward the middle of the field, taking an "inside shade" on oncoming attackers.