The league will consist of two six-team divisions: the NASL Division and the USL Division. The Impact will play in the NASL Conference with the Baltimore Crystal Palace; Carolina RailHawks; Miami FC; St-Louis United; and Vancouver Whitecaps. The USL Conference will include the Austin Aztex; Minnesota Thunder; Portland Timbers; Puerto Rico Islanders; Rochester Rhinos; and Tampa Bay Rowdies.
All teams will match up in a 28 to 34-game season. Calendar details, as well as league rules and television rights, will be announced in the near future.
The league will be managed by a board of directors that will be composed of one representative per team and one USSF representative. An executive committee will also be created to implement the directors’ decisions.
“Today we can say mission accomplished,” declared Montreal Impact President Joey Saputo. “Since the onset of negotiations, we were confident in achieving a positive outcome. We are proud to state that our fans will be treated to high level soccer in 2010 with 12 teams, including three newcomers, matching up in a top quality championship. More so, the league team owners have now gained control over their destiny, which is very positive for the future of soccer in North America.”
The Impact has also confirmed that it will once again participate in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship in order to qualify for the 2010-2011 CONCACAF Champions League.
Impact President Joey Saputo flew to Florida Thursday morning with Executive Vice President Richard Legendre and Technical Director Nick De Santis to attend a general assembly to settle next season’s calendar.
The Montreal Impact also announced that key partners (Uniprix, Vachon, Réno-Dépôt, Suzuki, Lassonde and Air Canada) have shown their trust in the organization by renewing their agreements during the past weeks, thereby guaranteeing the return of nearly all major partners in 2010 (Saputo, Hydro-Québec, Gouvernement du Québec, Bell, National Bank, La Cage aux Sports, Sports Experts, Tim Hortons, Sony, Coke and Pizza Pizza).
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY
The Montreal Impact will open its 2010 season ticket sale on Monday, January 11 at 9 am. The 2009 defending champions will once again offer season tickets at affordable prices, starting at $180 in the supporters section and $250 in the Bronze category.
2010 season tickets will include 16 regular season home games, two Nutrilite Canadian Championship home matches, as well as two playoff games (should the Impact qualify).
Contact the Montreal Impact to purchase 2010 season ticket packages by dialling 514-328-3668.
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Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668, ext. 227
