Impact Takes on Vancouver Wednesday
May 19, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
MONTREAL - The Montreal Impact (0-1-0) faces the Vancouver Whitecaps (0-1-0), in its second game of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, Wednesday, at Saputo Stadium (8 pm, Radio-Canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990).
Last year in the Canadian Championship, the Impact had signed two 2-0 victories against Vancouver. But in the last playoffs, the Impact had been defeated by the Whitecaps in the semifinals 2-1 in aggregate goals.
In its last game, Sunday against the Austin Aztex, the Impact signed its first win of the season in the USL First Division, with a 4-0 shutout. With this win, Montreal ended a six-game winless streak (0-4-2).
"The most important thing for us was to mentally recover, to come back to our principles as well as our confidence," noted Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "But a game against Austin is not the same as one against Vancouver. We have to go step by step and not think that Toronto has already six points. We have to get three points against Vancouver and then prepare the game against Vancouver next week. Our game against the Whitecaps could be decisive for the remaining of the tournament."
"We are feeling fresh and very confident right now," said Impact defender Nevio Pizzolitto. "The guys are in good spirits. There is a different atmosphere running around the team and it's positive. We needed the win last Sunday. It's still possible for us to do well in the championship even though we lost the first game. We are approaching this game as a final. But we need a victory."
"A 4-0 win, especially in the second half, can do wonders for the team," mentioned defender Simon Gatti. "The guys are more relaxed now. When you win that's the way it is and when you lose, it's tougher. That's what sports is about. I think that we will get a good result Wednesday."
On May 13 in Toronto, the Impact lost its first game of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship 1-0 against Toronto FC (MLS).
Various players have played for the other team. From the Impact, midfielders Joey Gjertsen, David Testo and Tony Donatelli, as well as forward Eduardo Sebrango and goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic have already played for the Whitecaps, whereas Caps forward Charles Gbeke and midfielder Martin Nash have played in Montreal.
Midfielder David Testo will miss the game against Vancouver due to an automatic one-game suspension, following his ejection from the game in Toronto.
Defender Cédric Joqueviel, who suffered an injury to his right thigh in the last game against Austin, will be absent for a week approximately.
It is possible to buy tickets for Wednesday's game at admission.com or by calling 514-790-1245, and also at the gates of Saputo Stadium.
OTHER FACTS
- Montreal is defending its Canadian Championship title, which allowed it to advance in the CONCACAF Champions League in 2008.
- Since the arrival of Vancouver (86ers, which became the Whitecaps) in the league, in 1993, the Impact has maintained a 20-9-5 regular season record.
- In the first game of the tournament, May 6, Toronto FC shut out the Vancouver Whitecaps 1-0, at BMO Field.
- Forward Marlon James will miss Wednesday's game due to a groin injury.
NEXT GAMES
- Wednesday, May 27 - IMPACT @ Vancouver - Swangard Stadium (live at 10:30 pm: Sportsnet; taped delayed at 11 pm: Radio-Canada)*
- Saturday, May 30 - IMPACT @ Rochester - Paetec Park - 7:35 pm (USLlive.com)
- Thursday, June 4 - IMPACT @ Portland - PGE Park - 10 pm (USLlive.com)
*Nutrilite Canadian Championship
USL First Division Stories from May 19, 2009
- Impact Takes on Vancouver Wednesday - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Whitecaps set for clash in Montreal - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Whitecaps vs. Montreal Wednesday - Pub Night - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Vallow Player of the Week - Rochester Rhinos
- Midfielder grabs second Team-of-the-Week selection in 2009 - Portland Timbers
- Troy Roberts and Josh Boateng Named to USL-1 Team of the Week for Week Six - Cleveland City Stars
- Kreamalmeyer, McKenney named to USL-1 Team of the Week - North Carolina FC
- USL Week 6 pro honors announced - USL-1
- USL SoccerFest set for November 19-24 - USL-1
- Rhinos To Play Final Of Eight Straight On The Road - Rochester Rhinos
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.
