Whitecaps FC Renew Montreal Rivalry
September 23, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
VANCOUVER, BC - Fresh off their final regular season road trip, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (10W-4L-14D) return home to face Canadian arch-rivals Montreal Impact (10W-11L-7D) in the USSF D-2 Pro League on Friday evening.
With the NASL Conference title still up for grabs following last weekend's results, Teitur Thordarson's side look to get back on track when Montreal make their third visit of the year to Swangard Stadium. As in recent seasons, Whitecaps FC have played the Impact numerous times this season, with Friday's game being the sixth contest between the two clubs in 2010. Barring a clash in the USSF D-2 playoffs, Montreal's latest visit to the west coast will be their final game at Swangard before Vancouver's move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2011.
It is a rivalry that not only involves two Canadian clubs, but also two of the best sides at the North American second division level. Since 2006, three of the last four United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1) championship titles were won by either Vancouver or Montreal.
Friday's match between Whitecaps FC and Montreal Impact at Swangard kicks off at 7:45 p.m. PT. Whitecaps FC 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 Whitecaps FC individual match tickets.
WHITECAPS FC
While the Blue and White can plan for postseason action early next month, the position from where they will start the playoffs is not yet guaranteed. Saturday's defeat in Minnesota allowed second-place Carolina RailHawks to close the gap on leaders Vancouver in the chase for the NASL Conference title. With only three points separating the two clubs, a return to the win column will be Thordarson's aim, with the 'Caps currently the second seed for the postseason.
The loss to the Stars was all the more frustrating, as Vancouver dominated large spells of the weekend game in possession and play. However, a lack of quality in the attacking third - coupled with resolute Minnesota defending - saw the 'Caps draw a blank. With the playoffs just around the corner, Thordarson is aiming to sharpen his side's attacking play over this week and next.
Preparations for the Impact began in the Fraser Valley on Tuesday, as Thordarson gave his reserve players a competitive run-out versus Trinity Western University in Langley, BC. Summer signing Davide Chiumiento played 45 minutes versus the Spartans and has been cleared to play against Montreal on Friday.
Meanwhile, centre backs Mouloud Akloul (ankle) and Nelson Akwari (quadriceps muscle) remain day-to day with their respective injury concerns.
IMPACT
2010 has been a difficult campaign for the Impact. Last season's USL-1 champions have struggled to keep pace with the top clubs in USSF D-2, while their Nutrilite Canadian Championship campaign ended disappointingly with no wins from four games. Yet, following public criticism of the squad by Impact president Joey Saputo, Marc Dos Santos' squad responded positively by claiming four wins from their last five league games.
While the Quebec-based outfit were assured a playoff spot for the ninth consecutive season after Athletic Club of St. Louis' 4-2 defeat at Miami FC on Wednesday night, Montreal's mid-season struggles resulted in change to Dos Santos' squad. New signings in former Whitecaps FC centre back Wesley Charles and ex-Minnesota Thunder forward Marco Terminesi were complemented by French imports in defender Richard Pelletier and striker Anthony Le Gall. Yet, it has been the return of Canadian international striker Ali Gerba that has brought immediate dividends for Montreal. Gerba's nine goals and one assist for the Impact have come in just 11 appearances this season.
With Friday's game, and a regular season closer at home to Austin Aztex on Sunday, October 3, the Impact's aim will be to avoid the league's top sides in the first round of the playoffs. Montreal can finish no higher than second in the NASL Conference and fifth overall come playoff time.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Friday's match is the 53rd all-time meeting between Whitecaps FC and Montreal, with the Impact leading the all-time series of results with 28 wins, 15 defeats, and nine draws - dating back to the 1993 season. The Impact's record includes 14 wins, eight defeats, and two draws versus the 'Caps in Vancouver. This season, however, Whitecaps FC have registered an undefeated record of 2W-0L-3D versus Montreal. The 'Caps drew both matches with the Impact in this year's Nutrilite Canadian Championship, while claiming two wins and a draw from their Quebec foes in USSF D-2 Pro League action. The two wins were historical ones for Vancouver, as they were Vancouver's first victories at Montreal's Stade Saputo.
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 FC squad have two players in captain Martin Nash and right fullback Chris Williams that have had previous spells with the Impact. Montreal, meanwhile, have five former 'Caps 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, while centre back Wesley Charles helped Vancouver to the 2008 USL-1 championship title before joining the Quebec club this season.
PORTLAND CONCLUSION
The next Whitecaps FC home game will be their last-ever regular season match at Swangard, as Pacific Northwest rivals Portland Timbers make their second visit of the season on Saturday, October 2, at 4 p.m. PT. Whitecaps FC 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.
Friday's match between Whitecaps FC and Montreal Impact can be seen live online at whitecapsfc.com/live or view a delayed broadcast on Société Radio-Canada (Shaw Cable channel 7) at 10:45 p.m. PT. *Please note that the delayed broadcast will be in French commentary.*
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from September 23, 2010
- Rematch Looms Large for the Aztex - Austin Aztex
- Timbers Face Crystal Palace Baltimore on the Road Saturday - Portland Timbers
- NSC Minnesota Stars to Close out Regular Season in Tampa - Minnesota United FC
- Stars Clinch Playoff Berth - Minnesota United FC
- Last Home Game Pits Palace Baltimore Against Timbers - Crystal Palace Baltimore
- Impact Faces Whitecaps in Vancouver Friday - Montreal Impact
- Whitecaps FC Renew Montreal Rivalry - Vancouver Whitecaps
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