The first match-up will take place Friday night at Claude Robillard Stadium (7:30 pm, live on CJAD, CKAC), and be followed by a second game on Saturday in Toronto (6 pm, CKAC).
"Were playing back to back games, but at least its against the same team, so both clubs will be in the same situation," noted Impact head coach Nick DeSantis. "But there is a rivalry, so theres always extra motivation when it comes down to games between Toronto and Montreal."
"This probably will be our toughest game this season," said Impact captain Mauro Biello. "Everyone on both sides will be out to win."
That will particularly be the case for players like defender Mauricio Vincello and striker Nikola Budalic, two newcomers with the Impact who will be facing their former team for the first time. DeSantis assistant, Peter Pinizzotto, is Torontos former head coach. Even veteran Lloyd Barker has played for the Lynx. On the Toronto side, Ali Ngon-Gerba, Josué Mayard and Milan Kojic have all worn the Montreal uniform.
The two teams also know each other well because they have faced more than 30 times over the last decade. The Montreal squad has a lifetime 19-12-2 record against Toronto in the A-League, 13-3-1 at home.
And Biello has taken part in most of these match-ups. In fact, barring any last-minute changes, the Impact captain will be playing his 219th and 220th career games with Montreal over the weekend, which would allow him to tie and then break the club record held by Nick DeSantis, who played 10 seasons as a midfielder with the Impact.
"Its an accomplishment in the sense that Ive been fortunate to play all these years with the same team, and that Ive been able to stay away from major injuries and play full seasons," said Biello.
"Since he started out, hes been getting better and better," said DeSantis about Biello. "Hes become a leader. Playing back in the midfield this year, hes had more freedom, and hes responded well. Hes dangerous in attacking players, and also in setting up our strikers."
Both games, in addition to counting in regular-season A-League standings, will be tallied in Can-Am Cup standings. Saturdays match-up will also count for the Voyageurs Cup.
Midfielder Sandro Grande will not be available for Fridays game. He will serve a one-game suspension following a red card he received last May 16 against the Virginia Beach Mariners.
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SOURCE:
bcomm
INFO:
Stéphane Banfi
514-328-3668 (ext. 27)