This is the second consecutive road game for the Impact, hoping to rebound from a 2-1 loss to Rochester last Saturday.
This is the first ever meeting between these two clubs as St. Louis is one of three teams to join the league this season through expansion.
Despite being in last place in the standings, St. Louis has lost only once in its last four regular season games. Thursday night, St. Louis earned a point against the Whitecaps in Vancouver, following a 1-1 draw.
“We can’t expect an easy game in St. Louis,” said assistant coach Mauro Biello. “Teams in this league at the bottom of the standings are just as dangerous as those at the top. We can’t take them lightly, especially in our situation. We have to go back to what we were doing well defensively and make sure we give them nothing. We also have to find a way to score more goals from our numerous opportunities.”
After missing the last game against Rochester, Impact team captain Nevio Pizzolitto, midfielder David Testo, striker Eduardo Sebrango and defender Hicham Aaboubou will all be available for Saturday’s game.
“We are not satisfied with the way we re playing right now, but our team spirit and confidence are still high,” said Pizzolitto. “We want to go up in the standings. We have to approach this game as if it was for first place. St. Louis has not lost ofthen in recent games and when they have this season, it’s been close.”
Goalkeepers Matt Jordan (groin) and Andrei Badescu (knee), as well as defender Adam Braz (hip) did not travel with their teammates to St. Louis due to injuries.
Two players from the Impact Academy are taking their second consecutive road trip with the first team: goalkeeper Dominic Provost and midfielder Kevin Cossette. Cossette played his first game with the Impact against the Rhinos, playing the last eight minutes of the game.
The Impact will return to Montreal on Sunday and will then play its next four matches at Saputo Stadium. The Impact will first face the Carolina RailHawks on Wednesday, July 14. Tickets are still available via the Admission box office (514-790-1245 / 1-800-361-4595 / admission.com), or from the Saputo Stadium ticket office.
Note also that the Impact Academy (2-5-4) will face London City (1-4-2), Saturday at 1 pm, at Saputo Stadium.
OTHER FACTS
• Goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic played the last seven games for the Impact.
• AC St. Louis head coach Claude Anelka was replaced by Dale Schilly, after 10 games, on June 24.
• Former RailHawks midfielder Luke Kreamalmeyer plays for St. Louis this year, as well as former Rhinos Mike Ambersley.
NEXT THREE GAMES
• Wednesday, July 14 – Carolina @ IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 7:30 pm (radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)
• Sunday, July 18 – Baltimore @ IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 2 pm (Radio-Canada, radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)
• Wednesday, July 21 – St. Louis @ IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 7:30 pm (radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 (ext. 227)
