This game will be key in determining its advancement as the Impact could clinch a spot among the top two clubs in Group C, in addition to qualifying for the quarterfinal series, which will start late February. Montreal only needs one point to officially reach the next round.
“Our objective is now to end the group stage with two good results and consolidate first position,” said Impact head coach John Limniatis. “We are having intensive training this week to be ready for Tuesday’s game. The players know what is at stake and the significance of this match.”
In its last game, October 8, in Trinidad and Tobago, the Impact defeated Joe Public 4-1, but due to a 1-1 tie between CD Olimpia and Atlante FC, Montreal’s qualification was not secured.
If two teams are tied, the first tiebreaker is the number of game points between these two teams. Then, the goal difference in said games and the number of goals scored on the road against the other club are taken into account. The Impact is ahead of the Honduran club, following a 2-1 victory in Tegucigalpa, October 1.
After four weeks of play in the CONCACAF Champions League group stage, the Impact is the only team among the 16 clubs to have tallied 10 points, not having lost in its first four games (3-0-1). The Impact also shows a +6 goal differential.
“It’s the way we organize our play that makes the difference. We work as a team and we are all on the same page,” noted midfielder Sandro Grande. “The key is our European style of play based on counter attack, which is an advantage against these teams. We realize that we are facing teams of our level.”
The Impact, champion of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship and winner of the home-and-away series preliminary round against Real Estelí FC (Nicaragua), was for a lot of people the underdog in that group. Impact Technical Director Nick De Santis never had any doubts about the team’s potential.
“Since the beginning of the season, we know that we have a good team,” said De Santis. “We have an excellent goalkeeper, experience, players that are good technically, as well as young players who bring energy. Everything went the right way and it turned out well for the team. The adjustments and the depth we added brought positive results.”
Note that the CONCACAF Champions League winner will qualify as the CONCACAF's representative to the 2009 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Tickets for Tuesday’s game at Saputo Stadium can be purchased through admission.com or by calling 514-790-1245.
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 (ext. 227)
