They will be facing the Syracuse Salty Dogs in another home-and-away, aggregate-goal series that will kick off Friday night in Syracuse (7:30 pm, CKAC) and will finish Sunday afternoon at Claude Robillard Sports Complex (4:00 pm, live on Fox Sports World and CKAC).
"The series against Rochester helped us improve, it made us better as a team and individually," said Eduardo Sebrango, who scored both goals in the conference semifinal series against the Rhinos. "But we also know it will be another tough, physical series against Syracuse."
After eliminating their rivals, head coach Nick DeSantis’ men will now face a team they have been unable to beat this regular season in three tries (0-2-1), including twice at P & C Stadium in Syracuse.
"Because they have artificial turf, it’s difficult to control the ball as much, so you can’t quite play your usual style," explained Sebrango. "You can’t move the ball around as quickly as you usually do."
The Salty Dogs, who have nonetheless posted a road record of 8-4-2 this season, have been one of the A-League’s best teams in the latter stages of the year, as demonstrated by their 11-1-2 record in the second half of the season. They were able to finish the regular season in third place of the Eastern Conference standings with an overall record of 15-8-5, six points behind the first-place Impact (17-6-5).
"They did it to every team this year," pointed out DeSantis. "Their intensity and desire to win every ball is very strong. They have a great work rate and they believe in themselves. They also have experienced players like Scott Schweitzer and Rene Rivas, who can make a big difference.
"We have to be prepared to match that intensity," added DeSantis. "We have to make sure we go into Syracuse and challenge every play. We also want to attack and play like we have in every game, while staying very disciplined defensively."
DeSantis is not worried about a letdown after an intense and emotional series against Rochester.
"The players realize we’re in the conference finals," he said. "They left it all on the field against Rochester and they’ll be prepared to do the same against Syracuse."
Defender Gabriel Gervais and midfielder Sandro Grande, who took part in Canada’s World Cup qualifier in Costa Rica, Wednesday night, are slated to join up with their Impact teammates late on Thursday in Syracuse. Canada lost 1-0 against Costa Rica.
-30-
SOURCE:
bcomm
INFO:
Stéphane Banfi
514-328-3668 (ext. 27)
