“On paper, this may be one of the best teams in our history,” says Biello, who was part of the Montreal squads that won the league championship in 1994 and 2004, as well as the regular-season titles in 1995, 1996, 1997 and 2005. “We’ve made good acquisitions in Leonardo Di Lorenzo, Mauricio Salles, Daniel Antoniuk and Kirk Wilson, all players who have very good qualities and who will bring a lot of depth to the team, especially on the offensive side. And we have players who have been with us for a while like (midfielders) Antonio Ribeiro and Patrick Leduc, who have gained experience and are making in impact.”
“So there’s no doubt the team has improved compared to last year. But the other teams in the league have improved as well. Still, it’s very positive. I expect another solid season. We will be very competitive.”
The Impact will also be able to count on the return of all its veterans on the back line. Greg Sutton, Gabriel Gervais, Nevio Pizzolitto, Adam Braz and Mauricio Vincello will all be back, all members of the league’s best defence — with a record 15 goals allowed in 28 games — in each of the last two seasons.
“Defense remains our strength,” says Biello. “We have a very good system where all 11 players position themselves very well when we don’t have the ball.”
Biello says it will take some time before team chemistry comes into full bloom on the field, but he is confident it is just that — a matter of time.
“We had a great camp, says the Impact captain. “It’s true that training sessions aren’t like games, but we have talented players and when you have talent, you can adapt quickly. As for team spirit, the new guys have blended in very well. We have leaders on this team who are stand-up guys, they did everything to make life as easy as possible for the new players.”
The Impact has been in Florida all week. The team has trained at the Hilton Sunrise Sports Complex, a training facility used by many national teams who visit the United States.
Sunday’s game in Miami will be the first of four straight road match-ups for the Impact. Montreal’s 13th home opener in club history at Claude-Robillard Sports Complex will take place Sunday, May 21, against the Minnesota Thunder.
COMMENTS
Mauro Biello
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Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668 (ext. 27)
