Third of four thematic games to celebrate the club’s quarter-century
MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact will celebrate its third of four 25th anniversary commemorative games, this Wednesday at 7:30pm, against Orlando City SC at Stade Saputo (TVA Sports, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690). Excellent tickets are still available on impactmontreal.com
“It’s our opportunity to begin coming back,” said Montreal Impact head coach Rémi Garde. “Orlando City SC is a direct competitor for a spot in the playoffs. Obviously, these are two very important games, especially the first one at home. We need to look at things short term. When you’re in our situation, it’s a little presumptuous and illogical to look too far ahead. These two games are important, and we need to focus on them.”
IMFC Summer will once again shine bright in the stadium’s corridors, from the second the doors open at 5:30pm. The 2-for-1 special on all drinks will be in place until 6:30ppm, and a DJ, accompanied by a host, will set the atmosphere. Also, by arriving early, supporters can take advantage of a plethora of activities offered by our partners.
The MLS bag policy will be in place for this game. Backpacks, camera bags, and big tote bags, as well as any bag larger than 35cm x 35cm x 15cm will not be accepted inside the stadium.
Also, please note that more traffic than usual is expected in the Sherbrooke/Pie-IX/Pierre-de-Couberton/Viau area, as Viau Street will be closed southbound between Beaubien Street and Rosemont Boulevard. The Impact strongly suggests using public transportation to get to the stadium and exit at Viau metro station. Drivers are welcome to use P1 parking lot, on Pierre-de-Coubertin, P3 on Pie-IX, and P4 on Sherbrooke.
Opportunity against a direct rival
The Bleu-blanc-noir can get back on track with a victory. Jason Kreis and his men, sixth in the Eastern conference, represent a direct opponent for the Impact in the run to the playoffs and have lost their last five games in MLS, although the Lions were able to count on their striker, Dom Dwyer, last weekend in Vancouver.
“Any game against an Eastern Conference opponent is big,” said defender Chris Duvall. “We have a chance to gain three points and push them down the standings. It’s a big opportunity. They’ve been very streaky and now they’re on a bit of a losing streak, so it’s up to us to get something out of this game.”
Since 2015, Orlando City SC’s inaugural season, tomorrow night’s belligerents have shared the honours, accumulating three wins each, with two other games having finished in a draw. The Bleu-blanc-noir has a positive record at home of two wins, one loss and one tie against the Lions.
“It’s a big game,” said midfielder Samuel Piette. “It’s important to get the result, especially at home. We wanted to build on the win against Houston, but we weren’t lucky in Dallas. It’ll be important to come out with three points.”
Highlighting local talent
Numerous celebrations will take place in the Montreal Impact’s 25th year of existence. Tomorrow, the club will underline the contributions from local talent in the last quarter-century. A number of players from here have marked the club’s history and will be presented to the supporters at halftime: Patrice Bernier, Mauro Biello, Adam Braz, Patrick Diotte, Patrick Leduc, Grant Needham, Rocco Placentino and Antonio Ribeiro.
Upcoming games
The Impact will have a ten-day break for the beginning of the FIFA World Cup, before returning the favour to the Floridians and visiting Orlando City SC on Saturday, June 23 at 7:30pm at Orlando City Stadium (TVA Sports, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690). The Bleu-blanc-noir will then host a former rival from the West, Sporting Kansas City, on Saturday, June 30 at 7pm (TICKETS - TVA Sports, TSN, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690).
