However, the task will be harder than ever this time around as head coach Nick DeSantis’ team will have to play three games in five days — in Vancouver against the Whitecaps, Friday (10 pm), in Calgary against the Mustangs, Sunday (4 pm) and in Edmonton against the Aviators, Tuesday (10 pm).
"We’ve had some good trips out West in recent years, but we’ll need to use all of our players," said Patrick Leduc, who has been picked three times on the A-League Team of the Week this season. "This is where our depth, which is one of our strengths, will come into play."
Over the last two years, the Impact has posted a perfect 4-0 record in the Western provinces, dominating Vancouver and Calgary 11-1 in goals. The addition of the expansion team Edmonton Aviators has somewhat changed the circumstances.
"Three games in five days, it’s going to be tough, but for now, we just need to focus on our game in Vancouver," said DeSantis before his team’s departure. "The game against the Whitecaps will dictate how the rest of the trip will go."
The Impact hasn’t lost in Vancouver since August 21, 1996, and has gone 4-0 at Swangard Stadium since that date. Montreal has an overall record of 7-4 in British Columbia since the two teams joined the A-League, in 1993.
In addition to trying to extend its undefeated streak in Vancouver, the Impact, which remains the A-League’s only unbeaten team at 6-0-1, will attempt to play its 8th straight game without a loss, which would be a new club record.
"For sure, it’s going to be the key game of the trip," added Leduc about the match-up against the Whitecaps. "It’s going to be a big battle. Most of the players know each other since they were young, having played against each other at the nationals, with the provincial select teams. We also know that the outcome of this game could have an impact on the selection of players for the national team."
The Whitecaps, with a 4-2-1 record, are third in Western Conference standings, tied with the Seattle Sounders. The Impact is first in the Eastern Conference, tied with the Rochester Rhinos (6-2-1).
Please note that the game in Edmonton will be played on Tuesday the 15th, and not on Wednesday, June 16 as was indicated in the original version of the A-League schedule.
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SOURCE:
bcomm
INFO:
Stéphane Banfi
514-328-3668 (ext. 27)
