Impact Faces the Carolina RailHawks Thursday in Semifinals
October 13, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Montreal Impact News Release
MONTREAL - The Montreal Impact plays Thursday its semi-final game at Saputo Stadium against the Carolina RailHawks, at 7:30pm (radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990).
The second game of this home-and-away aggregate goal series will take place on Sunday in Cary, North Carolina, at 6pm (radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990).
In its quarterfinal series, the Impact started the defense of its 2010 title by defeating the Austin Aztex 5-2 on aggregate goals (2-0 in Montreal and 3-2 in Austin).
"We have to be disciplined defensively, and then capitalize on our scoring opportunities," noted forward Ali Gerba, who scored four goals in the two games against the Aztex. "I want to continue helping the team and doing my job, which is scoring goals. Everyone is working hard and that helps me get in good scoring positions and creates opportunities."
The RailHawks reached the playoffs for the second consecutive year, a third time in its four years of existence, after finishing the regular season on top of the NASL Division.
Following a 0-0 draw in Minnesota, Carolina scored its first ever playoff goal and recorded its first ever playoff win by beating the Stars 4-0 at home in the second leg of its quarterfinal matchup.
The team is undefeated in its last five games (4-0-1).
"They are a well organized team that is playing with a lot of confidence right now," said head coach Marc Dos Santos. "All the games against them this year were close ones. That being said, it will be the team that limits their mistakes that will make it to the championship finale. We are counting on our 12th player in Montreal Thursday."
"Thursday's game will be a tough one, as we will be facing one of the best teams in the league," said defender Philippe Billy. "It's a team that moves the ball well and has variety in their style of play, on top of some good individual players. However, we a very solid team that is playing with a lot of confidence right now, so I think we will be difficult to stop. We are hoping for a good result tomorrow to make things a little easier when we travel to Carolina."
Since the club from Carolina joined the league in 2007, the Impact has a winning record of seven wins, four losses and three ties (19GF-13GA). In four games during the regular season the Impact has a record of 1-2-1 against the RailHawks.
"Following our win against Austin, we want to continue playing the same way," said midfielder Antonio Ribeiro. "Our next opponents are good, but we can't compare the regular season to the playoffs because the situation is different now. I feel that the team that wants it more will win this series."
Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan, who left the match in Austin due to a groin injury, will play Thursday.
However, midfielder David Testo will not be available due to a calf injury.
Excellent tickets are still available via the Admission Network (514-790-1245 / 1-800-361-4595 / admission.com) or at the Saputo Stadium ticketing office.
The 2010 Montreal Impact souvenir program will be given to the fans that paint their faces or wear a minimum of two articles of clothing with the Impact colours, until the beginning of the match or until stock is depleted. Fans will be able to pick up the souvenir program at the Impact boutique located near the main entrance of the stadium.
OTHER FACTS
- The Impact has won eight of its last nine matches. During that stretch, the club scored 21 goals, while allowing only five goals.
- The winner of this semi-final series will then face the winner of the series between the Vancouver Whitecaps (5th) and the Puerto Rico Islanders (8th).
- Montreal has a lifetime postseason record of 25-17-5 (67GF-49GA), winning three championships in 1994, 2004 and 2009.
- RailHawks forward Etienne Barbara finished the season as the club's leading scorer with eight goals and two assists for 18 points in 21 games.
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from October 13, 2010
- Whitecaps FC Travel to Puerto Rico for the First Leg in the USSF D-2 Semifinal - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Impact Faces the Carolina RailHawks Thursday in Semifinals - Montreal Impact
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