The Impact is looking for its first win on the road this season. In its last game regular season game played away from home, May 2 in Puerto Rico, the Impact had lost 3-2 at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium. But in its last game in the USL First Division, the Impact shut out the Austin Aztex 4-0, May 17, at Saputo Stadium.
Defenders Adam Braz and Nevio Pizzolitto did not travel to Rochester due to thigh injuries. He will be out of the lineup approximately one week. Patrick Leduc (foot), Stefano Pesoli (knee), Mauro Biello (clavicle) and Cédric Joqueviel (thigh) are also injured.
“The number of players out of the line-up makes things more difficult for us,” said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. “Especially since we are facing a team that has not lost in its last two games and that is playing its home opener. But in the end the difference between a great team and the others is its character, particularly in tougher situations. I think that we are a team with character and we should react positively Saturday.”
The Rhinos are playing their home opener after completing an eight-game streak on the road. In July and August, they will then be playing 11 consecutive games at home.
Since the Rhinos’ arrival in the league in 1996, the Impact owns a 25-15-6 lifetime record against its Rochester rivals. In the last game between both teams May 9, in the Impact home opener, Montreal lost 2-1 against the Rhinos at Saputo Stadium.
“We are facing the Rhinos in an other important game for us,” said Montreal Impact team captain and player coach Mauro Biello. “Although there are currently many injured players, we have depth in our line-up. It’s time to step up and get some wins. Our objective is to win the USL championship and all our focus is on that.”
Midfielders David Testo and Rocco Placentino traveled to Rochester after missing the last game in Vancouver.
Central defender Elkana Mayard was also called up from the Trois-Rivières Attak and traveled to Rochester.
OTHER FACTS
• Goalkeeper Matt Jordan’s next game will be his 50th regular season game with the Impact.
• In their last game, Rochester lost against the Battery 2-0, May 23, at Blackbaud Stadium, in Charleston.
• Midfielder Johnny Menyongar is the current USL First Division point leader with four goals and one assist.
• This is the second of three games between both teams this season. Both clubs will meet again in Rochester on July 15.
NEXT GAMES
• Thursday, June 4 – IMPACT @ Portland – PGE Park – 10 pm (USLlive.com)
• Sunday, June 7 – IMPACT @ Vancouver – Swangard Stadium - 10 pm (USLlive.com)
• Thursday, June 18 – Toronto @ IMPACT – 8 pm (Sportsnet, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)
Nutrilite Canadian Championship
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668, Ext. 227
