Gjertsen, a 25-year old American, was playing with the Whitecaps since the 2005 season. Last year, he was named the USL First Division Most Valuable Player after leading the Whitecaps in points with 12 goals and seven assists for 31 points. This season, he had tallied three goals and one assist (seven points) in 19 games and 1,365 minutes of play.
Testo, who will turn 26 on August 7, is also playing his third campaign in the USL D1. After playing his rookie season with the Richmond Kickers, in 2003, Testo, also a US native, spent the next two seasons with the Columbus Crew (MLS), before joining the Whitecaps in 2006. This year, he tallied one goal and one assist in 1,012 minutes. He had also one goal and three assists, in five games, during last year’s playoffs.
“We have acquired two quality players who were instrumental in the Whitecaps championship last year,” said Montreal Impact head coach Nick De Santis. “Vancouver is also going through rough moments and they needed a change. Both players have great qualities and speed. We hope they will help us get back our level of play.”
Brazilian Zé Roberto will have played six seasons in Montreal, tallying 17 goals and 17 assists (51 points) in 127 games (115 starts) and 10,560 minutes. In 15 games this year with the Impact, he had only one assist.
Forward Alen Marcina had only made a brief stop in Montreal. Acquired on June 14 from the Puerto Rico Islanders in return for midfielder Lars Lyssand and other considerations, Marcina scored one goal and added one assist in eight games with the Impact.
“To acquire great players, you have to give good players in return,” added De Santis. “Zé has offered great services to the team in the last few years. He always gave body and soul to the club. Unfortunately, it took time for him to recuperate from a number of injuries.”
Note that the Impact, which is off since its last 1-1 tie in Minnesota on July 18, will face the Carolina RailHawks on Wednesday, August 1st, at Claude-Robillard Sports Complex, at 7 pm (CJAD 800, USLlive.com). Note that Gjertsen and Testo will play against their former Whitecaps teammates, Saturday, August 18, in Vancouver.
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Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668 (ext. 27)
