Whitecaps FC Return to Montreal
June 28, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
VANCOUVER, BC - In the fourth game of five consecutive matches on the road, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (5W-2L-6D) aim to extend their lead at the top of the NASL Conference standings when they visit Canadian arch-rivals Montreal Impact (4W-3L-5D) on Wednesday evening.
Teitur Thordarson's side took their unbeaten run in the league to five matches following Saturday's 0-0 draw at Athletic Club of St. Louis, with the result keeping them four points clear of NASL Conference foes Montreal. The Impact, meanwhile, come into this midweek clash on an undefeated run of three matches in USSF D-2.
Wednesday's match between Whitecaps FC and Montreal Impact from Stade Saputo in Montreal, Quebec, kicks off at 4:30 p.m. PT. Whitecaps fans can watch this week's contest live online at whitecapsfc.com/live.
WHITECAPS FC
It has been a satisfying spell of road results from Thordarson's side, even though the Blue and White were not necessarily at their best in Missouri over the weekend. As they near the midway point of their regular season schedule, the 'Caps know they must be at their best, if they are to claim a result from Stade Saputo. Since the opening of Montreal's soccer-specific stadium in 2008, the Whitecaps have only won at the Impact's home on one occasion. "The guys have worked hard through these away games, especially in the hot conditions that we have played in," Thordarson told whitecapsfc.com. "Montreal is always a difficult place to play, and I'm sure it will be again on Wednesday."
Vancouver's three meetings with Montreal this season all ended in draws last month. This included a pair of 1-1 results versus the Impact in the 2010 Nutrilite Canadian Championship and a goalless league draw between the two clubs at Swangard Stadium on May 15.
The Whitecaps will be without the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines strike pair of Marlon James and Cornelius Stewart. James did not travel with the squad after picking up a calf injury, while Stewart will serve a one-match suspension after being sent off in Saturday's draw at AC St. Louis for two bookable offences. Left fullback Zurab Tsiskaridze, however, is available to face the Impact after missing the St. Louis game through suspension. Goalkeeper Dan Pelc (back) and centre back Mouloud Akloul (ankle fracture) remain on the sidelines for the Blue and White.
IMPACT
After a lean spell of five matches without a win, the Impact have put together a decent run of one win and two draws this month. In fact, both stalemates have seen Marc Dos Santos' side overcome a deficit to earn a point. The latest draw came in Carolina on Saturday, as Montreal came from two goals down to draw the RailHawks 2-2 at WakeMed Soccer Park. Simon Gatti put his name in the Impact history books when he scored Montreal's 600th regular season goal before former Whitecaps midfielder Tony Donatelli equalized with a penalty in time added on.
The Impact have had a busy spring and summer of games. This has included the visit of Italian Serie A clubs Fiorentina and AC Milan for a pair of friendly matches in recent weeks. Montreal earned a creditable 1-1 draw with Fiorentina on May 23 before falling 4-1 to a star-studded Milan side in front of 47,861 fans at Montreal's Olympic Stadium on June 2.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Wednesday's clash will be the 51st all-time meeting between the Whitecaps and Impact. Montreal currently lead the all-time series of results with 28 wins, 13 defeats, and nine draws dating back to the 1993 season. The Impact's record includes 14 wins, five defeats, and six draws versus the 'Caps in Montreal.
The midweek clash is also the fourth of six meetings between Vancouver and Montreal in the 2010 season. After Wednesday's match, both clubs will meet two more times in the USSF D-2 regular season. The Whitecaps will return to Stade Saputo on 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 United Soccer Leagues First Division champion Whitecaps side before heading east to join the Quebec-based outfit.
SCHEDULE CHANGE
The Whitecaps away match versus FC Tampa Bay Rowdies has been moved back to Thursday, August 19, from Saturday, August 21. Kickoff of the August 19 match from George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, is set for 4:30 p.m. PT.
LAST STOP: PORTLAND
Vancouver's midweek trip to Montreal will be followed by their second league visit to Oregon to take on Portland Timbers on Saturday evening. Kickoff from Portland's PGE Park is set for 7 p.m. PT and can also be seen live online at whitecapsfc.com/live.
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from June 28, 2010
- Timbers Play Host to MLS' Seattle Wednesday in U.S. Open Cup - Portland Timbers
- Aztex Move up to MLS Competition in Open Cup Round of 16 - Austin Aztex
- Whitecaps FC Return to Montreal - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Top of NASL Conference Remains Tight After Week 12 Results of USSF D-2 Pro League - USSF D-2
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