MLS Club de Foot Montreal

Impact Plays Home Opener Saturday against the New York Red Bulls

Published on March 11, 2016 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club de Foot Montreal News Release


MONTREAL - The Impact's home season starts this Saturday at the Olympic Stadium, as the Bleu-blanc-noir hosts the reigning Supporters' Shield champions, the New York Red Bulls, at 4pm (TVA Sports, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690).

The club encourages supporters to get to the Olympic Stadium early to avoid traffic around Olympic Park and overcrowding at the stadium's entrance. Doors open at 2:30pm for the first Impact game at the Big O since the return leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Final.

Excellent tickets are still available, starting at $29 (including taxes, plus service charge). Season tickets starting at only $339, as well as Pick-4-Packs, are also available on impactmontreal.com.

BMO Financial Group, the Impact's jersey presenting partner, will give away free calendars to fans when they exit the Olympic Stadium.

The Impact got off to a good start last Sunday, beating Whitecaps FC in Vancouver, 3-2. Designated Player Ignacio Piatti scored two goals and assisted the other, a Dominic Oduro tally.

The Bleu-blanc-noir's record against the Red Bulls stands at 2-6-2. Its home record against New York is 2-1-2, and this will be the fourth game between the two sides at the Big O (with a 1-1-1 record).

"We're excited that this moment's getting here," said Impact head coach Mauro Biello. "We want to give a strong performance. The Red Bulls have many offensive pieces that we have to watch out for. We expect them to come here with the will to win, so we have to be ready and keep playing our game against them."

The Impact remains without Andrés Romero, who underwent knee surgery last fall, and team captain Patrice Bernier, who suffered a hamstring injury during preseason. Forward Cameron Porter is also dealing with a hamstring issue and will not be available this Saturday.

Forward Dominic Oduro, who not only scored but also notched an assist on Sunday in Vancouver, has already recorded four goals and two assists in MLS against the Red Bulls. Midfielder Harry Shipp, for his part, has scored three goals and picked up two assists against New York.

Midfielder Eric Alexander, who played two seasons with the Red Bulls, could reach 10,000 career minutes in MLS this Saturday, should he play 64 minutes Saturday.

"This stadium brings back a lot of memories," said midfielder Marco Donadel. "I hope that a lot of people come to this great match. The Red Bulls were the best team in our league last season. But after a strong and hard match against Vancouver, we will be ready."

New York lost their first game of the season at their Red Bull Arena home, last Sunday, against Toronto FC. Sebastian Giovinco and Marky Delgado both scored late to give TFC the win.

The Red Bulls will be without central defender Damien Perrinelle, who underwent left knee surgery at the end of last season. Centre back Ronald Zubar will also miss this game, as the MLS Disciplinary Committee has suspended him for one game for serious foul play endangering the safety of Toronto's Daniel Lovitz.

Winger Gonzalo Veron, who suffered a hamstring injury during preseason, is being re-evaluated on a day-to-day basis. Winger Lloyd Sam, however, has overcome an apparent ankle injury and will indeed be available for selection by head coach Jesse Marsch.

"They have a good team that plays good soccer," said defender Laurent Ciman. "They lost at home, so they'll come here wanting to pick up all three points. It's our first home game. We want to do well in front of our fans and build on last week's win."

The Impact will play its next game on Saturday, March 19, at 9pm at Toyota Stadium against FC Dallas (TVA Sports, TSN Radio 690). Forward Didier Drogba, who is currently training with Sacramento Republic (USL), has targeted Dallas as the site of his return to the playing field.

Check out the Club de Foot Montreal Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from March 11, 2016


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.

OurSports Central