The Montreal Impact will play four of its next five games in MLS at Stade Saputo, starting this Saturday at 8pm against the Seattle Sounders FC.
During the game, IMFC will celebrate the first edition of its Christmas in July. Excellent tickets are still available and tickets for kids under 16 are only $12 in all categories.
This home game stretch will be more than welcomed for the Bleu-blanc-noir who has a record of 5-2-1 at Stade Saputo. On July 11, its latest home game, the Impact had a convincing 3-0 win against Columbus.
“We are doing really well at home so far this season," said midfielder Calum Mallace. "We want to get those three points on Saturday and start the second half of the season on a good note."
“We want to play with aggressiveness and score the first goal,” said defender Ambroise Oyongo. “We must stay focused throughout the game and keep the clean sheet.”
This will be the only matchup between these teams this season. Since 2012, the Bleu-blanc-noir has two wins and one loss against Seattle.
The former Impact second division rival has dropped to fifth place in the Western Conference, after losing five of its last six games. The Sounders have a record of 3-6-1 on the road.
“We’re facing a team that will be looking to rebound and that is under some pressure right now following their last results,” said head coach Frank Klopas. “I think I know how they will approach the game. We will be ready.”
Seattle won’t be able to count on Clint Dempsey and Brad Evans, who are currently on international duties with the U.S. at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Striker Obafemi Martins could also miss the game, after recently coming back from injury.
Former Impact goalkeeper Troy Perkins, who played three seasons in Montreal from 2012 to 2014, should be facing his former teammates Saturday. Perkins started the Sounders’ last two games, both 1-0 losses, replacing Stefan Frei, who is also injured.
“Even though some of their players won’t be available this weekend, nothing can be taken for granted because we’re facing a very good team with a lot of depth,” added Mallace.
On the other side, the Impact is welcoming back several players that spent time on the injury list, including defenders Eric Miller and Hassoun Camara, as well as midfielder Justin Mapp.
The Impact will play its next game against New York City FC, Saturday August 1 at 2pm at Yankee Stadium, while Stade Saputo will host the Trophée des Champions, featuring Paris Saint-Germain against Olympique Lyonnais, that same day at 3pm.
