Impact Faces Toronto Wednesday At Saputo Stadium
May 11, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Montreal Impact News Release
MONTREAL - The Montreal Impact faces Toronto FC, Wednesday at Saputo Stadium, in its third match of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship (8 pm, Sportsnet, ckac.com, THE TEAM 990).
In its first two tournament games, the Impact lost 2-0 in Toronto on April 28, before playing to a 1-1 draw versus the Vancouver Whitecaps, on May 5 at Swangard Stadium. The Impact will need a victory in this match to keep its chances to win the tournament.
The Impact has never won in five matches versus Toronto FC (0-4-1).
"We really want to win this match. It's a must win," declared team captain Nevio Pizzolitto. "If we remain confident and disciplined, we know that we can take over. We want to prove that we are able to defeat them. We will try to keep the ball and have greater possession to control the rhythm of the game."
In seven season matches in MLS, Toronto earned three wins in as many matches at BMO Field, including a 4-1 win versus Chicago in its last match Saturday. Conversely, Toronto lost four times in as many matches on the road.
Dwayne De Rosario is currently the best scorer of the team with six goals in as many matches. He also scored during the match against the Impact last April 28. He had scored three goals against the Impact June 18, 2009, at Saputo Stadium, when Montreal lost 6-1.
"We want to stay alive in the tournament and we will do everything to succeed Wednesday evening," declared defender Hicham Aaboubou, who played the full 90 minutes of the last three USSF-D2 matches and the NCC game in Vancouver. "We are aware that they have dangerous forwards, but we shouldn't change our way of playing. The important thing is to avoid defensive errors because Toronto players can really hurt you."
Forward Roberto Brown will not be on the lineup as he will serve the second and last game suspension imposed by the Canadian Soccer League, following his gesture during the match in Toronto. Defender Adam Braz and forward Reda Agourram will also be absent after having been booked red cards during the last Canadian championship match versus Vancouver. Agourram has been suspended by the Canadian Soccer Association for an additional game. He will then miss the game against Vancouver, on May 26.
Defender Stefano Pesoli should be back on the lineup after having missed five matches due to an ankle injury.
The Impact will play its last Canadian championship match on May 26 against Vancouver at Saputo Stadium.
Tickets for tomorrow's game can be purchased through Admission (514-790-1245 / admission.com) or the Saputo Stadium ticketing office (514-328-3668). Youth rates and group packages are available.
Montreal has joined Major League Soccer (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
- The Montreal team remains undefeated in three matches played at home this season in the USSF Second Division.
- Toronto defends this year its Canadian champion title clinched in 2009. In the CONCACAF Champions league preliminary round, Toronto lost 1-0 in aggregate goals against the Puerto Rico Islanders.
- The Impact Academy plays its first game in its history this Saturday against Milltown FC, at 1 pm, at Saputo Stadium. The Academy will play a 24-match schedule, including 12 home games.
- Midfielder Pierre-Rudolph Mayard is having an excellent season start with the Charleston Battery. Mayard scored three goals up to now this season, including two goals last Saturday against Harrisburg. Mayard was named Player of the Week in the USL-2. He has been loaned to the Battery until August 13, 2010.
NEXT THREE MATCHES
- Saturday, May 15 - IMPACT @ Vancouver - Swangard Stadium - 10:30 pm (Radio-Canada, whitecapsfc.com)
- Wednesday, May 19 - IMPACT @ Portland - PGE Park - 10 pm
- Saturday, May 23 - Fiorentina @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 2 pm (CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from May 11, 2010
- Look Back, Look Ahead And Jeremy Christie World Cup Bound - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Timbers Host Crystal Palace Baltimore, AC St. Louis At PGE Park - Portland Timbers
- Impact Faces Toronto Wednesday At Saputo Stadium - Montreal Impact
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.
