Whitecaps FC Renew Montreal Rivalry
Published on May 13, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
VANCOUVER, BC - In a battle of the top two clubs in the NASL Conference, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2W-1L-2D) host Canadian arch-rivals Montreal Impact (2W-1L-1D) in their first-ever USSF D-2 Pro League match-up on Saturday evening.
Teitur Thordarson's side know all about their foes from Quebec, with both sides having already played to a 1-1 draw at Swangard in this year's Nutrilite Canadian Championship on May 5. Saturday will be the second of three meetings with the Impact this month and the first of four USSF D-2 regular season contests between the two clubs in 2010. The weekend game is Montreal's second straight against a Canadian rival this week, with the Impact falling 1-0 to the Voyageurs Cup holders Toronto FC in the Canadian Championship on Wednesday night.
Saturday's match between the Whitecaps and Montreal Impact at Swangard kicks off at 7:45 p.m. PT. Whitecaps individual match tickets start at $20, plus applicable service charges, and are available at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centres, online at ticketmaster.ca, and by phone at 604.280.4400 or 1.800.663.9311. Visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets for more information on individual match tickets.
WHITECAPS
With a week to prepare for their latest showdown with Montreal, the Whitecaps will want to put a couple of disappointing home matches behind them come Saturday night. Thordarson was far from pleased with his side's performance against the Impact in their Canadian Championship opener, while he would have been just as frustrated by his side's struggles in front of goal during last Saturday's goalless draw with winless Crystal Palace Baltimore.
With three more matches remaining in Vancouver's current five-game home stand, signs of improvement will be expected, as the 'Caps look to end a run of three matches without a win. Motivation will not be in short supply for Thordarson's squad, as Vancouver's next two games are 'derby matches' against the Impact and Toronto FC at Swangard Stadium.
The Whitecaps remain without defender/midfielder Blake Wagner, who is still sidelined with a strain in his foot, and long-term casualty Mouloud Akloul, who continues his recovery from a fractured ankle. Midfielder Jonny Steele will also miss Saturday's match due to personal reasons. Also doubtful to face the Impact are captain Martin Nash (back), striker Marlon James (hamstring), and goalkeeper Dan Pelc (gluteus maximus). The good news for Thordarson is that experienced left fullback Takashi Hirano is now day-to-day after missing the start of the season with a knee injury.
IMPACT
After a season-opening defeat to Austin Aztex in the Texas state capital, Marc Dos Santos' side rolled off a draw and two victories during a three-match home spell, with this weekend's Swangard visit giving the Impact the opportunity to leapfrog the Whitecaps at the top of the NASL Conference standings with a win.
Like Vancouver, May is a very busy month for the Quebec outfit, with Montreal playing a total of eight matches in the league and Canadian Championship, as well as an international friendly versus Italian Serie A club Fiorentina. After opening the Canadian Championship with one draw and two defeats, the Impact are mathematically eliminated from the tournament.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Saturday's USSF D-2 clash will be the 49th all-time meeting between the Whitecaps and Impact. Montreal currently lead the series of results with 28 wins, 13 defeats, and seven draws, with both clubs having first played against each other back in 1993. The Impact's record includes 14 wins, eight defeats, and two draws versus the 'Caps in Vancouver.
The weekend clash is also the second of six meetings between Vancouver and Montreal in 2010. Both clubs will renew their Voyageurs Cup rivalry on Wednesday, May 26, in Montreal before meeting three more times in the regular season. The Whitecaps will visit Stade Saputo on Wednesday, June 30, and Wednesday, July 28, before hosting the Impact late in the season on Friday, September 24.
FAMILIAR FACES
One of the many common ties between Montreal and Vancouver has been the number of players that have played for both clubs in recent years. The current Whitecaps squad have two players in captain Martin Nash and right fullback Chris Williams that have had previous spells with the Impact. Montreal, meanwhile, have four former Whitecaps players in their squad. Goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic, striker Eduardo Sebrango, and midfielders Tony Donatelli and David Testo were all members of the 2006 USL-1 champion Whitecaps side before heading east to join the Quebec-based outfit.
NEXT UP: TORONTO FC
The next Whitecaps home game sees them return to action in the 2010 Nutrilite Canadian Championship, as Major League Soccer club Toronto FC visit Swangard on Wednesday, May 19, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. PT. Individual tickets for the midweek clash start at $21.50, plus applicable service charges, and are available at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centres, online at ticketmaster.ca, and by phone at 604.280.4400 or 1.800.663.9311.
Saturday's match between the Whitecaps and Montreal Impact can be seen live online by visiting whitecapsfc.com/live or view a delayed broadcast of this weekend's game on Société Radio-Canada (Shaw Cable, channel 7) at 10:37 p.m. PT - Please note that the delayed broadcast will be in French commentary.
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from May 13, 2010
- Cricket Wireless Family Packs on Sale Now - Portland Timbers
- Stars Return to Blaine to Take on Winless Miami FC - Minnesota United FC
- Whitecaps FC Renew Montreal Rivalry - Vancouver Whitecaps
- RailHawks Host FC Tampa Bay Friday Night - North Carolina FC
- Palace's May 29 Game to Benefit Breast Cancer Charity - Crystal Palace Baltimore
- Various Fiorentina Star Players Confirmed - Montreal Impact
- Timbers To Host English Club Manchester City July 17th - Portland Timbers
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.
