Grande, 30, from Montreal, played a total of 31 games with the Impact, 29 as starter, during the 2004 and 2005 seasons, tallying six goals and two assists, in 2,518 minutes of play. He left the Impact during the 2005 season to play in Norway.
“We are pleased to have Sandro (Grande) back on our lineup for the remainder of the season,” said Impact technical director Nick De Santis. “We are also talking with him to conclude a more long term deal. We are confident to have a deal with him soon.”
“He is a very good player who will bring experience and character to the team,” said head coach John Limniatis. “The wealth of experience gained with the Impact but also in Europe and with the national team makes him a first rate player. He will bring leadership and professionalism on the field as well as in the locker room.”
“I’m very happy to be back in Montreal,” said Grande, who will officially train with his new teammates today at 10 am, at Saputo Stadium. “I think I can bring a lot of experience after playing in a good league in Norway. I’m here to help the team and give my best.”
In 2004, Grande helped the Impact win the USL First Division Championship. At the end of the season, he was selected to the league’s First All-Star team and received the Newcomer trophy given by the Impact. Back then, he was the club’s free kick specialist. In 2005, he played eight games for Montreal before leaving for the Viking FK, a first division club in Norway. During the 2006-2007 season, he played for Molde FK, also in Norway.
Since 2004, Grande played a total of 12 games with the Canadian National Team, playing notably the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2005.
The Impact will play its next regular season game Friday, August 8 against the RailHawks in Carolina (7:30 pm, USLlive.com). The Impact will play its next home game at Saputo Stadium, Wednesday, August 13, against the Rochester Rhinos. All tickets for that game are on sale for $10 ($5 for 16 and under) and hot dogs will be $1.
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Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668 (ext. 227)
