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Impact Faces Orlando for Crucial Game in Playoff Race Wednesday at Stade Saputo

September 6, 2016 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club de Foot Montreal News Release


MONTREAL - The Montreal Impact could take a significant jump forward in the race to the 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs this Wednesday night at 7:30pm EDT at Stade Saputo against Kaka and Orlando City SC (TVA Sports [pregame show at 7pm], TSN, 98,5fm [pregame show at 6:30pm] & TSN Radio 690 [pregame show at 7pm]). This game will be a presentation of Fonds de solidarite FTQ.

Excellent individual tickets for this game are still available on impactmontreal.com. Get to the stadium early, as jumbo hot-dogs will be sold for only $2 (limited quantity, maximum of two per person).

The Bleu-blanc-noir is currently fifth in the Eastern Conference with two games in hand on three of the top four. With a win, the Impact would increase its six-point lead on Orlando, which trails sixth-placed D.C. United, holder of the last playoff place, by one point with a game in hand.

"We're taking on an Eastern Conference rival, a team that's fighting for a playoff spot, and we want to strengthen our position," said Impact head coach Mauro Biello. "Orlando has some key pieces that we have to be aware of. This team will leave everything on the field to grab points, and we have to be ready to maintain our momentum."

The Impact advises supporters to get to Stade Saputo early and to use public transit. Pie-IX Blvd. will be partially closed in the northbound direction, from Pierre-de-Coubertin Ave. to Mont-Royal Ave., preventing vehicles from turning right on Sherbrooke East St. Traffic disruptions are also scheduled on Pierre-de-Coubertin Ave., between Viau St. and Pie-IX Blvd., until the end of the season.

Reaching Stade Saputo via Hochelaga St. in the westbound direction may also be complicated due to roadwork. The Impact recommends avoiding this section of Hochelaga St., driving north on L'Assomption Blvd., west on Sherbrooke St. and south on Viau St.

The renewal period for season tickets is open, and guests who have already renewed their membership for 2017 can mention it on social media with the hashtag #DerriereIMFC and visit the Members Corner, under section 126, where they will receive a Bleu-blanc-noir waterproof bag.

Please also take note of the full implementation of new security measures upon entering the stadium. All bags larger than 35 cm x 35 cm x 15 cm are prohibited. The full rules and regulations can be viewed on 19fbee3c6cc5377bcefc4d826 impactmontreal.com.

Welcome freshness after Toronto win The Impact last played on August 27, a 1-0 triumph at Toronto FC's BMO Field home. The Bleu-blanc-noir then enjoyed a well-deserved break that allowed the players to recharge their batteries - and Mauro Biello will now be able to choose from a full roster. The only exceptions are Maxime Crepeau, Ambroise Oyongo and Johan Venegas, who are currently with the Canada, Cameroon and Costa Rica national teams respectively.

"The break, after a win like that one, was great for our morale," said defender Hassoun Camara. "But the group was thrilled to return to work. We are determined to finish the schedule on a good note. Nothing is settled, though, and we know that there is much work to do still, but we have a strong hand; it's up to us to play those cards well."

The win in Toronto saw a reunion of the Ignacio Piatti-Dominic Oduro connection that was so productive in the first three months of the season. Oduro's feed for Piatti's game-winner at BMO Field was his MLS-best fifth primary assist for the Argentinean this season. Piatti, who has directly assisted one of Oduro's tallies, now sits third in MLS for game-winning goals with four - one behind leaders Clint Dempsey and Bradley Wright-Phillips. Oduro, meanwhile, is fifth in MLS with three game-winning assists.

Hope still genuine in Orlando

The Lions, led by new head coach Jason Kreis for six games now, made a statement on August 28, beating long-time Eastern Conference leader New York City FC by a 2-1 scoreline. Former World Champion and Ballon d'or winner Kaka scored a brace for Orlando to clinch its sixth win of the season.

When Montreal and Orlando last met, on May 21, 2016, the Lions found a winner 87 minutes in, as Cyle Larin scored the second goal in a 2-1 win. At home, however, the Bleu-blanc-noir has not lost in two games against Orlando City SC.

"This is the time when teams push forward and try to show the kind of team that they are," said Dominic Oduro. "It's a push for the playoffs. Teams like Orlando, with a new coach, require you to be really smart because everyone wants to prove their worth. But it's up to us to make this home game count."

Orlando City will have to make do without its two top scorers, however. Larin (13 goals) and Kevin Molino (9 goals) are currently with Canada and Trinidad and Tobago, respectively, for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Following game The Impact's next game at Stade Saputo will take place on Saturday, September 17, at 7:30pm against the New England Revolution (RDS, TSN & TSN Radio 690). Excellent individual tickets are still available for this game on 664a105d1f889dc093bd595e9 impactmontreal.com.

In the meantime, the Bleu-blanc-noir will be playing a road game this Saturday, September 10, taking on the Philadelphia Union at Talen Energy Stadium at 7pm (TVA Sports & TSN Radio 690).

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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.

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