Impact Faces Islanders in Puerto Rico Wednesday

September 7, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Montreal Impact News Release


SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - The Montreal Impact faces the Puerto Rico Islanders (8-8-9), Wednesday at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium, in Bayamon (8:05pm, prislanders.com).

With only five matches left to play this season, the Impact is fighting for a spot in the playoffs. Sixth place in the USSF Second Division standings will be at stake on Wednesday, with Montreal currently in seventh place with 31 points, two points behind the Islanders.

"It's a very important match for us," noted veteran defender Adam Braz. "We want to have a good game tomorrow and collect some crucial points as we continue to battle for a playoff spot. Our destiny is in our hands, so it's up to us to perform well."

The Impact won its last two matches by way of a shutout. They blanked the Crystal Palace 5-0 in Baltimore on August 21 and defeated Rochester 2-0 on August 27 at Saputo Stadium. Striker Ali Gerba scored five goals over those two games, earning him the league's Player of the Month honours for August.

Midfielder Leonard Di Lorenzo, who has collected an assist in each of Montreal's last three matches, is now ranked third in the league with a total of five assists this season.

Following those two matches, the club benefited from 10 days without a game. Meanwhile, the Impact played an inter squad game last Friday.

"We've been working hard at practice. For the most part, we studied all the positive things we've done that have led to victories," said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "We've had a good amount of time to prepare and practice things over and over. The inter squad game allowed the players to get their intensity level up."

"The break gave us a chance to recharge our batteries, which is key at this time of year," added Braz. "This match will be a good test of character for us because it's never easy to play in Puerto Rico. It will also serve as good mental preparation for some of the new guys with the playoffs right around the corner."

The Islanders are back at home after playing their last four matches on the road, two of them on the west coast. Puerto Rico collected five points on that road trip (1-1-2). Head coach Colin Clarke's squad boasts a home record of 6-3-3 this season.

This will be the second match between the two clubs this season. The Impact won the first match, blanking the Islanders 1-0 at Saputo Stadium on May 1.

Impact forward Marco Terminesi is back in the lineup after missing a month of action due to appendicitis, while defender Simon Gatti is still on the shelf with an injured groin.

The Impact will play a second consecutive road game on Saturday, in Florida, versus Miami FC at 7:30pm. The Impact will then play its next home match at Saputo Stadium on Sunday, September 19 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Tickets are still available via the Admission Network (514-790-1245 / 1-800-361-4595 / admission.com) or at the Saputo Stadium ticket office.

OTHER FACTS

- Since the Islanders joined the league in 2004, the Impact has maintained a record of 10-4-4 in 18 matches (19GF-10GA)

- Forward David Foley is Puerto Rico's top scorer with eight goals, which has him ranked fifth in league goal-scoring. Teammate Nicholas Addlery has also 16 points, with six goals and four assists.

- The Impact Academy (6-9-5) will play its next match this Saturday against Toronto Croatia (5-3-6), at Saputo Stadium, at 1pm.

THE LAST 4 GAMES

- Saturday, September 11 - IMPACT @ Miami - Lockhart Stadium - 7:30pm (miamifc.com)

- Sunday, September 19 - Tampa Bay @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 2pm (radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)

- Friday, September 24 - IMPACT @ Vancouver - Swangard Stadium - 10:30pm (Radio-Canada, whitecapsfc.com)

- Sunday, October 3 - Austin @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium- 2pm (radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)



U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from September 7, 2010


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