The Montreal Impact, Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps are facing each other in a six-game tournament for a spot in the newly formed CONCACAF Champions League. The first-place team will also be awarded the Voyageurs Cup trophy, which has been awarded to the top professional Canadian team since 2002. The Impact has won this trophy for the last six years.
The Impact will face a Major League Soccer team for the first time in club history.
“The motivation will be high because it’s a different championship for us,” said head coach Nick De Santis. “There is also a pride factor for us to play an MLS team and to do so at home. We have to try to win this home game because we will have to play on the road too. We are facing a club at a different level with players that can hurt you at any point. They are doing very well right now and they have a lot of confidence but we have to stay focused and play with concentration.”
Goalkeeper Matt Jordan, defender Adam Braz, midfielders David Testo and Pato Aguilera, as well as forward Roberto Brown have played in the MLS. Midfielder Cristian Nuñez did not play a single game with Toronto FC in 2007, but played all 90 minutes of the 13 reserve team matches.
“It’s always special when you play your former team but more importantly it’s a big game for our club,” said defender Adam Braz. “It’s a huge event for the Impact and we want to represent Canada at the CONCACAF Champions League. You always want to be the best so that should give everyone added incentive to show that we are capable to beat them.”INTERVIEW VIDEO WITH ADAM BRAZ
In its last game, the Impact tied the Vancouver Whitecaps 0-0, May 19, during its historical home opener at Saputo Stadium. The Impact has not scored in its last three games and has been shut out in the last 277 minutes. The team record is four games, between May 12 and 25, 2001.
“Of course you want to score goals especially when you’re playing in a new stadium,” said team captain Mauro Biello. “We hope to score the first goal to give us confidence and then we will gain momentum. We have to continue to work hard and create chances to be able score.”
The Impact will then play its next regular season game this Friday against the Portland Timbers at Saputo Stadium (7:30 pm, Radio-Canada, FSW, CKAC Sports, TEAM 990).
Also, during the tournament, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC will visit Montreal, June 17, and on June 25, the Impact will play the return match at Swangard Stadium. The Impact will then play its fourth and final match of the tournament against Toronto FC, at BMO Field, July 22.
To purchase tickets for the May 27 and June 17 games at Saputo Stadium, call 514-328-FOOT (3668) or 514-790-1245.
OTHER FACTS
• After missing the home opener at Saputo Stadium, veteran defenders Gabriel Gervais and Nevio Pizzolitto will also miss this historical game due to injuries. Defender Cédric Joqueviel and midfielder Antonio Ribeiro are suffering ankle injuries and their status is day to day.
• Former Impact goalkeeper Greg Sutton has a 4-2-2 record in eight games this season and has a 1,25 goals allowed average. Last season, he played only eight games due to a concussion.
• In its last game, Toronto lost 3-2, Saturday, against DC United. Prior to that game, Toronto had not lost in its last six games (4-0-2).
• Forward Dany Dicchio leads Toronto with four goals in nine games. Midfielders Amado Guevara (2-2-8) and Laurent Robert (1-3-6) follow closely in the standings.
• Midfielders Maurice Edu (United States) and Amado Guevara (Honduras) did not make the trip to Montreal. They are currently on national team duty.
NEXT GAMES
• Friday, May 30 – Portland @ IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 7:30 pm (Radio-Canada, FSW, CKAC Sports, TEAM 990)
• Wednesday, June 4 – Miami FC @ IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 7:30 pm (CKAC Sports, TEAM 990, USLlive.com)
• Saturday, June 7 – IMPACT @ Charleston – Blackbaud Stadium – 7:30 pm (USLlive.com)
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Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668, Ext. 227
