Montreal, which is defending its 2008 title, will not win the championship this year. The Impact is seeking a first win this Thursday, in the second edition of the tournament.
The Vancouver Whitecaps will clinch the Canadian championship, unless Toronto FC wins Thursday’s game against the Impact by four goals or more.
“Even if we are eliminated, the game is significant to us,” noted defender Nevio Pizzolitto. “We don’t want to lose against Toronto, especially not at home in front of our fans. We also want to show that we are at the same level by clinching a first victory against Toronto FC.”
“We will approach this game like all others and especially come out strong on defense as always,” said midfielder Sandro Grande. “There is a great rivalry with Toronto. We don’t need to mention it because it’s something that we feel at every game against this team. We are conscious that it will be a tough game. We need to enter the field with a winning mentality.”
A few regular players will not play Thursday. Mauro Biello (clavicle), Adam Braz (thigh), Cédric Joqueviel (thigh), Patrick Leduc (foot) et Pa Amadou Gai (thigh) will miss the game due to injuries.
Forward Eduardo Sebrango is in Cuba until Sunday for personal reasons. He will miss the games against Toronto and Vancouver.
Defender Zanzan is currently with Togo’s National Team in the second qualifying game against Morocco Saturday. Zanzan will be back in Montreal Sunday.
Central defender Nevio Pizzolitto should not play Thursday but may start the game against Vancouver Saturday.
“We need to put our priorities in the right place. The game against Vancouver on Saturday is more important, so in terms of recuperation, we need to rest certain players on Thursday,” explained Montreal Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. “Out of respect for the fans, the players on the field tomorrow will need to play with honour and passion. We will be determined not to give anything to Toronto.”
Central defender Stefano Pesoli should play his first season game on Thursday. Pesoli underwent knee surgery during the off season, while central defender Elkana Mayard, called up from the Trois-Rivières Attak, May 29, should start a fourth consecutive game on Thursday.
Less than 1,000 tickets are still available for this game. Tickets are on sale on Admission, at admission.com or by dialling 514-790-1245, as well as at the ticketing office of Saputo Stadium.
OTHER FACTS
• The Impact, which did not play since June 7, registered only one loss in its last five regular season games (3-1-1).
• In the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, the Impact was shut out 1-0, May 13 in Toronto, before losing 1-0 and 2-0 against the Vancouver Whitecaps, May 20 and 27 respectively.
• Chad Barrett and Kevin Harmse scored the two goals for Toronto FC in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship.
• Midfielder Amado Guevara is currently the club’s top scorer this season, with five goals.
• Forward Dany Dichio scored one goal in the last two games.
• Defender Marvell Wynne will be out of the lineup Thursday. He is currently with the United States National Team for the Confederations Cup in South Africa.
NEXT GAMES
• Saturday, June 20 – Vancouver @ IMPACT – 1:30 pm (Radio-Canada, CBC, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com)
•Tuesday, June 23 – Miami @ IMPACT – 7:30 pm (CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com)
•Sunday, June 28 – IMPACT @ Portland – 8 pm (USLlive.com)
INTERNATIONAL GAMES IN MONTREAL
• Saturday, June 27 – Haiti VS Syria – Saputo Stadium – 3:30 pm
• Wednesday, July 1 – Haiti VS IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 7:30 pm
• Wednesday, July 8 – Syria VS IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 7:30 pm
• Saturday, July 25 – EA Guingamp VS FC Girondins de Bordeaux – Olympic Stadium – 3 pm
• Tuesday, July 28 – FC Girondins de Bordeaux VS Impact –Saputo Stadium – 7:30 pm
• Tuesday, August 4 – CA River Plate VS Impact –Saputo Stadium – 7:30 pm
PRE-GAME VIDEO
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668, Ext. 227
