Pizzolitto underwent surgery on his right knee in the off-season before the 2007 campaign. He sat out most of last season due to knee and thigh injuries.
“I’m really excited to be back,” said Pizzolitto, who is currently training with the team as the Impact kicked off its 15th training camp in club history, Monday. “After having played very few games in 2007, I’m eager to play again. I will try to contribute to the team’s success the best I can. I expect to be back 100% this summer and to earn a spot on the starting line-up.”
“We are glad to see that Nevio (Pizzolitto) is healthy and to have him back,” said Montreal Impact head coach Nick De Santis. “We missed him a lot during the 2006 and 2007 playoffs. He is an intimidating player who brings a lot to the team. His experience defensively is really beneficial to us.”
Nevio Pizzolitto played a total of 211 games and 16,753 minutes in his career with the Impact, tallying eight goals and five assists for 21 points. He was picked on the second All-League team in 2004, 2005 and 2006. He was also named the Impact’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2005.
Known for his physical play, the Montreal native also tallied 46 yellow cards and eight ejections, in 12 seasons in Montreal.
In 2008, he will be playing his 14th season in the United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division.
The Impact’s training camp is currently underway at Catalogna Soccerplexe, in Lachine. The club is preparing for a pre-season tour, which will begin in Italy, from January 19 to February 1, and continue in Portugal, from February 17 to 28. The Impact will kick off its 2008 season in its new home, the Saputo Stadium, and play a 30-game regular season in the USL First Division.
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Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668 (ext. 27)
