Impact Hosts Union in Critical Matchup for the #playoffrace
October 18, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club de Foot Montreal News Release
MONTREAL - The Montreal Impact (13-12-7) looks to take a step closer to a spot in the playoffs on Saturday afternoon at Stade Saputo as it hosts the Philadelphia Union (12-10-10) at 2pm ET. The game will be broadcast live on RDS and TSN2 and on radio with CJAD 800. You can also get live updates using the Impact mobile app or by following @impactmontreal on twitter.
The Impact currently sits in a tie for fourth place with the Union and the Chicago Fire, all at 46 points in the Eastern Conference. However, the Impact is still within striking distance of third place in the East, currently held by the Houston Dynamo with two more points. The Fire hosts Toronto FC Saturday night, while Houston welcomes the New York Red Bulls.
This will be the third and final meeting between the two clubs in 2013, with the Impact yet to lose to the Philadelphia Union this season. The first matchup ended in a 5-3 win at Stade Saputo on May 2, in which DP Marco Di Vaio scored a hat trick. The second game ended in a scoreless draw at PPL Park in Philadelphia on August 31.
Excellent tickets are still available for Saturday's game. Buy three tickets for the afternoon contest and get a fourth one free! Here's where:
Online
Admission Network: 1-855-790-1245
Montreal Impact: 514-328-3668
In person: Stade Saputo ticket office
Game day partner KIA will be presenting the "Dream Design" winner on the field and the lucky winner will help brand next year's Impact car. The KIA branded car can be seen under section 130 and fans of FIFA 13 can play the game out of the back of the car.
In addition, KIA will be distributing 7,000 tuques at the end of the game at the main entrance, while the Montreal Impact will be gifting team posters.
It will also be possible to make a $5 donation to Procure, which supports prostate cancer awareness, at the stadium or by texting PROCURE to 45678. If an amount of $25,000 is raised, Joey Saputo will dye his beard blue.
Impact news
The Montreal Impact has been unable to find the back of the net in its last 273 minutes of play, including two shutouts at home.
In its last two matches, the Impact fell by identical 1-0 scores, against the New England Revolution at Stade Saputo last Saturday and to the LA Galaxy on Wednesday night in California.
Impact Designated Player Marco Di Vaio, who announced earlier this week that he'd be returning with the Impact in 2014, is still looking to become just the 11th player in MLS history to score 20 goals in a season, sitting on 19 markers, and is now tied with the Chicago Fire's Mike Magee for the league lead.
Captain Davy Arnaud and defender Matteo Ferrari will return to the lineup following a one-game suspension due to yellow card accumulation. Forward Daniele Paponi will mi ss Saturday's tilt due to injury.
Philadelphia Union news
The Philadelphia Union has climbed back into the playoff race, going undefeated in its last three matches, including a 1-0 victory over SKC, a 1-0 triumph over Toronto FC and a 1-1 draw with D.C. United in its most recent matchup last weekend.
Forward Jack McInerney snapped a 17 game scoring drought in the tie, bringing his total to 11 on the year.
Goalkeeper Zac MacMath has recorded four shutouts in his last six games and is tied for the league lead with 12 on the year.
Defenders Fabinho and Sheanon Williams will be back after missing last Saturday's 1-1 draw at D.C. United.
Midfielder Michael Farfan won't be available due to a yellow card accumulation. Sebastien Le Toux, who is battling plantar fasciitis, as well as midfielder Michael Lahoud, are both questionable.
Upcoming game
The Impact will then conclude its second season in MLS next Saturday, at BMO Field, against Toronto FC at 4pm ET.
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Major League Soccer Stories from October 18, 2013
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- With or without HiguaÃn, Black & Gold ready for tilt with Revolution - Columbus Crew SC
- Impact Hosts Union in Critical Matchup for the #playoffrace - Club de Foot Montreal
- Real Salt Lake Match Preview: RSL at Portland Timbers - Real Salt Lake
- HiguaÃn a "flight-time" decision for weekend clash with Revolution - Columbus Crew SC
- Sunday's Match vs. New York Red Bulls Sold Out - Houston Dynamo FC
- Match on Turf Could Benefit Crew's High-Octane Attack - Columbus Crew SC
- U.S. Women's National Team to Hold Public Training Session October 29 - Columbus Crew SC
- Playoff Places Within Reach as Revs Host Crew in Regular Season Home Finale - New England Revolution
- Schellas Hyndman to Step Down as Head Coach of FC Dallas - FC Dallas
- Revs Prepared to Adjust Without Sene - New England Revolution
- Revolution's 2013 MLS Cup Playoff Strips on sale now - New England Revolution
- Impact Will Honour Career of Alessandro Nesta on Saturday - Club de Foot Montreal
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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