MATT JORDAN (2007-2010) – CONSOLIDATING SOCCER AND FAMILY
When announcing his retirement last winter, Matt Jordan had a very emotional thought for his children. His best memories are wins but especially those he could share with his loved. "One of the things I'm most proud of is having been able to continue my career long enough for my kids to see me play and for them understand my passion in life. They were a great inspiration to me when we won the Canadian Championship in 2008, when we reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 2009, and later that year when we won the title in the USL First Division, in front of our fans at Saputo Stadium. Even today, my daughter recalls how she had been sprayed with beer in the locker room after that victory."
BILL GAUDETTE (2011) – WHATEVER IT TAKES
The Impact did not randomly sign Bill Gaudette: This American goalkeeper already had a nice resume, and many moments of glory to choose from. "There's nothing like being part of a winning team, and I especially like winning a championship, a tournament or any event. With Puerto Rico, we have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. However playing in the Estadio Azul was really something special. Pin pointing a particular moment is very difficult. The one that stands out most is the championship title with the Islanders last year. Winning a championship, that's why I play! That’s why I train every day and why I work hard!”
DANIEL COURTOIS (1994-1995) – A TEENAGER WITH THE PROS
One of the few goalies trained in Quebec to have rubbed shoulders with the pros back in the days. Daniel Courtois was already a great prospect for soccer, 11 years before wearing the jersey of the Impact. "What is my most memorable moment? When I was invited to train as a reservist with the Montreal Manic, in its final year in 1983. I was only 17 and I remember training with players like Elvis Comrie and Dragan Vujovic. One time, the whole Olympic Stadium smelt like liquor because there was a concert the night before! It smelt so much that we had to move our practice to a nearby field, which is now the Saputo Stadium. It was really special to train and interact with other players of this talent at this age. Also, unknowingly, at the time I was able to train on the future site of the Saputo Stadium! "
PAOLO CECCARELLI (1994-1998, 2000-2001) - NOT SO SEXY, BUT MEMORABLE
You never forget your first time... For some, it remains the most beautiful one, despite all the great moments that follow. This is the case for Paolo Ceccarelli. "There have been many ups and downs during my time in Montreal. The most memorable moment for me is my first start in Montreal in 1994 against Fort Lauderdale. We won 1-0 but what I remember the most is how I really felt part of the Impact family. The fans were supporting me, before and after the game. I instantly knew I was part of a special organization. I know it's not sexy, like winning a championship game, but for me, this day stands out. My stay in Montreal means a lot to me and I look back at it with pride. Both for the results obtained and for the friendships that were born.”
EVAN BUSH (2011) - ANXIETY AT THE TIME OF A PENALTY KICK
Before fully embracing his professional career, Evan Bush studied marketing at the University of Akron, located in his state of birth, Ohio, USA, where he wore the colours of the University team. "In 2005, in the second round of the NCAA championship we faced UCONN, the University of Connecticut. The match was decided on penalty kicks. I stopped two attempts during the shootout after having already stopped a penalty kick during the match! Unfortunately, we were eliminated after the next round versus the University of Maryland ... following penalty kicks."
Matthias Van Halst, Impact Media
