The Impact has not lost in its last five games (4-0-1). During its last trip on the West Coast, the Impact shut out the Whitecaps in Vancouver 2-0, June 25, in its third game of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, then tied the Seattle Sounders 1-1, June 28.
The Impact is first in the USL First Division in terms of goals allowed at home with only one and an average of goals conceded at home of 0.20.
“We are expecting another tough match because no game is easy in this league,” said Impact defender Nevio Pizzolitto. “But we are rolling with some confidence right now and we have a lot of healthy players who are back in the lineup. We want to pick up three points at home Sunday because we need some points to move up in the standings.”
The Impact is still undefeated in 12 regular season games against Puerto Rico with a record of 9-0-3 (16GF-4GA). On May 2, the Impact shut out the Islanders 1-0 at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium, in Bayamon. Joey Gjertsen scored the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute. Forward Roberto Brown was ejected in the 40th minute, after getting a red card.
“Last time, we had a good game against them when we were in a tough stretch but we didn't do ourselves any favours with a red card early,” said midfielder Joey Gjertsen. “We will have to be disciplined and as good as last time if we want to be successful. I know that last year in the playoffs we scored a few goals against them, so hopefully we will repeat that.”
June 30, the Impact acquired midfielder Tony Donatelli and a financial compensation from the Vancouver Whitecaps in exchange for forward Charles Gbeke. Donatelli, 24, was playing with the Whitecaps since the 2006 season.
“The Impact is a first class organization and to have the opportunity to play here gets me excited, said new Impact midfielder Tony Donatelli. “To see some of my former teammates playing well and to see the team doing great is a really positive situation for me. I think I’m a very versatile player who can play offensive and defensive, so I just hope to fit wherever I can to help the team win.”
The Impact has an average of 12,970 tickets sold after five regular season games at Saputo Stadium, a league high. Note that the Impact has already sold more than 10,000 tickets for the remaining games at Saputo Stadium.
OTHER FACTS
• Last year, the Impact was eliminated from the playoffs by the Islanders in quarter-finals, 5-3 on aggregate goals. The Impact had won the first game 3-2, September 14 in Montreal, but lost 3-0, September 16, in Puerto Rico.
• Midfielder Antonio Ribeiro is still suffering from an ankle injury and will miss Sunday’s match.
• Team captain Mauro Biello suffered a wrist fracture but will be able to play Sunday.
• Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan has registered four shutouts in the last five games. During that sequence, he made 34 saves.
• This is the second of three games between both teams. The two teams will face each other again in Montreal, at Saputo Stadium, September 16.
• Friday, Porto Rico lost 1-0 against the Miami FC, in Florida. The Islanders have still not won on the road this season (0-3-1).
• Five Islanders players lead the team in goals, each having scored two: Cristian Arrieta, Taiwo Atieno, Noah Delgado, Sandy Gbandi and John Krause.
• Approximately 2,000 people from St-Donat Soccer Club will attend Sunday’s game
NEXT GAMES
• Sunday, July 13 – Seattle @ IMPACT –Saputo Stadium – 3:30 pm (Radio-Canada, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com)
• Friday, July 18 – Miami @ IMPACT –Saputo Stadium – 7:30 pm (Radio-Canada, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com)
• Tuesday, July 22 – IMPACT @ Toronto – BMO Field – 7:00 pm (cbc.ca)
*Nutrilite Canadian Championship
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Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668, Ext. 227
