Impact Face Syrian National Team Wednesday
July 7, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Montreal Impact News Release
MONTREAL - The Montreal Impact faces the Syrian National Selection, Wednesday at Saputo Stadium, in this season's second international friendly (7:30 pm). In its last match, Sunday, the Impact lost 1-0 to the Charleston Battery at Saputo Stadium.
"This game is important for us and for team motivation," mentioned head coach Marc Dos Santos. "We suffered two losses in our last regular season matches and we need to get back on track. Our intention is to win and offer a good performance to our fans. We are looking for a good result, as in every single one of our matches."
Midfielders Ciaran O'Brien and Tyler Rosenlund, who took part in the match against the Haitian selection July 1, could play a final game on Wednesday before the end of the tryout period, set on July 9.
In the second international match presented at Saputo Stadium, the Montreal Impact and the Haitian National Team tied 0-0.
"We are expecting again a good level of play and ambiance," noted defender Simon Gatti, who was one of the few players who took part in the full 90 minutes of the last international match against Haiti. "Although this is an exhibition game, once you step on the field, you forget that it's a friendly. Also, this not only is a unique opportunity for our team, but it's also a great event for all fans, in particular for the Middle Eastern community in the city."
The Syrian National Team is 96th in the FIFA world ranking. The selection is taking part in a series of friendly games in preparation for the 2011 Asian Cup qualifiers, presented by the Asian Football Confederation. Their next qualifying match is slated for November 14 against the Vietnamese National Team, in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Tickets for the game on Wednesday are still available through Admission (514-790-1245 / admission.com) or at the ticket office of Saputo Stadium. Ticket prices vary between $10$ and $30 (taxes included).
OTHER FACTS - Defenders Hicham Aaboubou and Elkana Mayard will be available for the game Wednesday. Midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo, who missed the last two matches due to a thigh injury, could also take part in the match. - Defender Cédric Joqueviel (thigh) and midfielder Patrick Leduc (foot) are still out of the lineup due to injuries. - Within the Syrian selection, four players currently play for the club Al-Karama Homs, the defending champions of the Syrian Premier League: goalkeeper Mosab Balhous, defender Belal Abduldaim and midfielders Aattef Jenniat and Feras Ismail.
NEXT GAMES - Saturday, July 11 - IMPACT @ Minnesota - National Sports Center - 8h05 pm (USLlive.com) - Wednesday, July 15 - IMPACT @ Rochester - Marina Auto Stadium - 7 pm (USLlive.com) - Sunday, July 19 - Puerto Rico @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 3:30 pm (Radio-Canada, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com)
USL First Division Stories from July 7, 2009
- Houston Defeats Battery to Advance to Semifinals of Open Cup - Charleston Battery
- Ty Harden Recalled by Colorado - Rochester Rhinos
- Timbers McManus Receives First Division Team of the Week - Portland Timbers
- Impact Face Syrian National Team Wednesday - Montreal Impact
- Whitecaps Look to Calm the Thunder this Thursday - Vancouver Whitecaps
- USL Week 13 pro honors announced - USL-1
- Open Cup Quarters Tuesday night - USL-1
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