Impact Faces the Whitecaps in Vancouver Saturday
May 14, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Montreal Impact News Release
BURNABY - The Montreal Impact plays its fifth match of the season, the first of four matchups against its Canadian rivals the Vancouver Whitecaps, Saturday at Swangard Stadium (10:30 pm, Radio-Canada, whitecapsfc.com).
Both teams are currently fighting for first place in the NASL Conference, as the Whitecaps sit in front of the Impact with only one more point.
"This game is very important because if we win in Vancouver, we secure the first place in our division when we come back to Montreal," declared Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "I know we are able to get the three points tomorrow. The team morale is good."
The Impact and the Whitecaps played to a 1-1 draw, May 5 in Vancouver, in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship.
In 37 regular season matches versus Vancouver, the Montreal team owns a 23-9-5 record (45 GF - 26 GA). In 2009, the Impact had registered three wins during the regular season versus the Whitecaps: 2-1, on June 7 in Vancouver, 2-1, on June 20 in Montreal, and 1-0 September 9, once again at Saputo Stadium.
In its last regular season game, Montreal registered a 2-1 win against the Minnesota Stars, May 8, at Saputo Stadium. The team is therefore unbeaten in its last three games in the USSF Second Division (2-0-1).
"We must now concentrate all our energies on our season," declared assistant coach Mauro Biello. "As of tomorrow, we need to collect points on the road. We must become a team that is capable of winning road games on a regular basis. It will not be easy tomorrow due to the intense rivalry between both teams."
The Whitecaps have a 2-1-2 record in five matches this season in the USSF Second Division. Vancouver remains undefeated and has not conceded any goals in three games at Swangard Stadium this season. The Whitecaps shut out the Minnesota Stars 2-0 on April 11, during their home opener, defeated St. Louis 1-0 on April 24, and drew 0-0 versus Baltimore, on May 8.
"Vancouver has improved its defense from last year," noted Dos Santos. "And the team is always dangerous on attack. We will need to be fully focused during the 90 minutes and we will have to be more disciplined than during our last game here 10 days ago."
Whitecaps newcomer Jonathan Steele will miss Saturday's game due to personal reasons. Midfielder Blake Wagner (foot) and defender Mouloud Akloul (ankle) will not be in the lineup due to injuries. The status of defender Takashi Hirano (knee), midfielder Martin Nash (back) and forward Marlon James is uncertain also because of injuries. Midfielder Ethan Gage is in Netherlands for a training camp with the U20 Canadian national team.
Vancouver will join Major League Soccer in 2011. Montreal will be joining MLS as the 19th team. The team will begin play in the 2012 season, at Saputo Stadium, which will be expanded to more than 20,000 seats. Only 5,000 seats are available on presale. Registration on a priority list will be required and a $50 deposit will be requested per ticket. To reserve a spot, visit montrealmls2012.com.
OTHER FACTS
- Various players have played on the opponent's side. From the Impact, midfielders David Testo and Tony Donatelli, forward Eduardo Sebrango, as well as goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic played for the Whitecaps. From the Whitecaps, midfielder Martin Nash and defender Chris Williams have played in Montreal.
- Defender Stephen deRoux is the only Impact player who played the full 90 minutes of the first four season matches.
- The Impact Academy will play the first match in its history this Saturday versus Milltown FC, at 1 pm, at Saputo Stadium. The Academy will play a 24-match season, including 12 home games.
NEXT THREE MATCHES
- Wednesday, May 19 - IMPACT @ Portland - PGE Park - 10 pm
- Saturday, May 23 - Fiorentina @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 2 pm (CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)**
- Wednesday, May 26 - Vancouver @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 8 pm (Sportsnet, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)*
* Nutrilite Canadian Championship match
** International match
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from May 14, 2010
- RailHawks Fall to Tampa Bay 2-1 - North Carolina FC
- Miami FC Heads North to Take on NSC Minnesota in First Road Game of Season - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Aztex Look to Knock off Newly Energized Crystal Palace - Austin Aztex
- Impact Faces the Whitecaps in Vancouver Saturday - Montreal Impact
- Several AC Milan Star Players Confirmed - Montreal Impact
- Palace Baltimore Stun Portland For First Win - Crystal Palace Baltimore
- First Half Goal Leads Baltimore Over Timbers - Portland Timbers
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