MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact opened its first training camp for its first season into Major League Soccer, Monday, at the Marie-Victorin Sports Complex.
“There was a lot of positive energy already this morning and you can see that the group is ready to begin working together, said Impact head coach Jesse Marsch. “More than anything, it’s important for all of us to get to know each other and to let them play on the field. I am very pleased with our first day.”
“It will be a good challenge to be here, get to know the guys as quickly as possible and set an example,” said forward Brian Ching. “I can’t thank the fans enough that welcomed me here, especially on social media. I’m a competitive guy that will do everything to help this club win games. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the city of Montreal.”
Goalkeepers Evan Bush, Greg Sutton and Maxime Crépeau, defenders Nelson Rivas, Tyson Wahl, Jeb Brovsky, Karl Ouimette and Josh Gardner, midfielders Davy Arnaud, Patrice Bernier, Calum Mallace, Justin Mapp, Gerson Mayen, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Collen Warner and Ian Westlake, as well as forwards Felipe Martins, Brian Ching and Miguel Montaño took part in this first training session.
“It was an excellent first day,” said midfielder Patrice Bernier, who made his official return to the club, following 10 seasons in Europe. “I had the chance to meet most of my new teammates and to jump back on the field. We will now have to learn from each other but I think there is already some chemistry building up on the pitch.”
Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, defender Hassoun Camara, midfielder Bryan Arguez, as well as forwards Justin Braun and Sanna Nyassi, took part in medical testing and therefore were not on the field.
Defenders Zarek Valentin and Andrew Wenger, the Impact’s first overall pick of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft were not with the team this morning. The latter two are presently with the U.S. U23 National Team in Los Angeles.
The team will return to the training field tomorrow morning at Marie Victorin Sports Complex before flying to Guadalajara, Mexico.
The team will commence its historic inaugural season in North America’s first division on Saturday, March 10, against Canadian rivals, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, at 6pm ET), at BC Place in Vancouver. The Impact then play its home opener the following the Saturday, March 17, against the Chicago Fire, at Olympic Stadium at 2pm.
Season tickets for the 2012 season are available in five categories, at costs of $250, $350, $550, $850 and $1,250. You can purchase your season tickets via the team’s website at impactmontreal.com or by calling 514.328.3668.
Training camp schedule in Mexico
Wednesday, January 18 – Departure for Guadalajara
Thursday, January 19 – Training session
Friday, January 20 – Training session
Saturday, January 21 – Training session
Sunday, January 22 – 10am – Montreal Impact vs Chivas Guadalajara, Verde Valle
Monday, January 23 – Training session
Tuesday, January 24 – 10am – Montreal Impact vs Estudiantes Tecos, Tecos Stadium
Wednesday, January 25 – 4pm – Montreal Impact vs Iteso
Thursday, January 26 – 10am – Montreal Impact vs Club Atlas, Colomos
Friday, January 27 – Training session
Saturday, January 28 – Training session
Sunday, January 29 – Return to Montreal
