Impact Faces Miami FC Saturday
Published on September 10, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Montreal Impact News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida - The Montreal Impact (9-10-7) faces the Miami FC (3-11-11) on Saturday, at Lockhart Stadium, in Fort Lauderdale (7:30 pm, miamifc.com).
The Impact is on a hot streak, winning its last three games: in Baltimore, against Rochester, and then in Puerto Rico. The Impact mounted a comeback in its last game to beat the Islanders 2-1, in Bayamon, last Wednesday.
Forward Ali Gerba, who scored twice against Puerto Rico, has scored seven goals in the last three games, and is now the team's leading scorer.
With only four games left to play this season, the Impact sits in sixth place in league standings, only three points behind the Carolina RailHawks. A win on Saturday, in conjunction with a RailHawks defeat in Portland that same night, would put the Impact even with Carolina in fifth place in the USSF Second division.
Winning this game would also bring the Impact's winning percentage back to .500 for the first time since June 30.
"We feel that our group is much more solid, both offensively and defensively," said
Philippe Billy, who has played in all 26 games this season. "You can feel it on the field and see it in the results lately. We hope to keep up this rhythm and continue to climb the standings, entering the playoffs in a good position."
The Impact has lost only once in 12 matches to the team from Florida over the years (5-1-6). The two clubs are meeting for the second time this season. The first game, on June 6, ended in a 1-1 draw at Saputo Stadium.
The Miami FC is in last place in the overall standings, having won only three times in 25 matches this season. Head coach Victor Pastora's team returns home Saturday after suffering three straight losses on the road.
The Impact will play its next game at Saputo Stadium, on Sunday, September 19, against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. A few tickets are still available through the Admission network (514-790-1245 / 1-800-361-4595 / admission.com) or the Saputo Stadium ticket office.
Meanwhile, the Impact Academy (6-9-5) plays its next game against the Toronto Croatia (5-3-6) tomorrow, at Saputo Stadium, at 1 pm. Defender Simon Gatti, who missed the last five Impact games due to groin injury, is scheduled to suit up for the reserve team.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
- The next start for midfielder Tony Donatelli will be the 50th of his career with the Impact.
- The Miami FC's leading scorer, Paulo Araujo Jr., has joined Real Salt Lake (MLS) for the remainder of the 2010 season. Araujo Jr. had tallied eight goals and four assists with Miami.
- Miami FC is in last place in the league with 44 goals allowed this season.
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 10, 2010
- Impact Faces Miami FC Saturday - Montreal Impact
- Miami FC Begins Final Home Stretch with Match Against Montreal Impact - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- The Montreal Impact To Visit Chicoutimi - Montreal Impact
- RailHawks Host MLS Bound Portland Timbers Saturday Night - North Carolina FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
