The reason: the team’s training camp will continue in Fort Lauderdale, at the Hilton Sunrise Sports Complex, a training site used by several national teams when they visit the United States ahead of international matches, as well as by Major League Soccer clubs.
“(Team Manager) Mike Moretto and (President) Joey Saputo know the people who run things down there, and Mike, through his work with the Under-17 Canadian national team, has seen the facilities, which are quite impressive,” explains Impact head coach Nick De Santis. “Next year, we may go there even earlier.”
De Santis says he was searching for such a site in the hope of repeating last year’s experience, when the team travelled to Porto Rico well ahead of its season opener against the Islanders. The idea evidently paid off, as the Impact went on to play 15 straight games without a loss, a new league record, on its way to the United Soccer Leagues First Division regular-season title.
“Last year, it helped us a lot to get there early. We were able to get used to breathing the warm air, and to the playing surface as well. Down South, the grass is different, the ball doesn’t react the same way,” says midfielder Antonio Ribeiro. “It’s also very positive for our chemistry, for team spirit. We can eat together, do different activities together.”
“It’ll be chance to get to know the strengths of our new players, what they like to do and what they don’t like to do,” adds team captain Mauro Biello.
The extended stay in Florida is all the more worthwhile considering that after the game in Miami, Montreal will be facing the Islanders in Puerto Rico the following Sunday. And that game will be followed by match-ups against the Battery in Charleston and the Mariners in Virginia Beach, May 13 and 14. All these games will therefore be played in almost identical weather conditions.
“It’s important to get used to the elements, especially in places where it’s hot. The air feels different in the lungs when you’re in the heat,” points out Biello.
And although the Impact’s camp will pack up and head down South, several local media will continue to follow the team’s activities on a first-hand basis. Representatives from CJAD and XM Radio, as well as from Le Journal de Montréal and La Presse will be on hand.
“It’ll be good motivation for us, knowing that our fans will be able to follow us as we prepare for the season opener,” says Biello. “It’ll make for a good atmosphere.”
De Santis was also planning to take advantage of the situation to head down to Florida a few days earlier than his players, in order to do a little scouting on Miami, which was slated to face Jamaican and Caribbean champion Portmore United in a exhibition match on Easter Sunday.
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