Second to last preseason game for Montreal
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida – The Montreal Impact will play its fourth preseason game, this Wednesday at 7pm, when it will visit the Tampa Bay Rowdies, from the USL, at Al Lang Stadium, as part of the Rowdies Suncoast Invitational. The game will be broadcast live on impactmontreal.com.
“We’re expecting a very physical game with a lot of rhythm,” said Impact head coach Rémi Garde. “We know they’re a good team, especially when they play at home in front of their supporters. We want to test them physically because we remember our game against them last year. On our end, certain players will play 45 minutes, others 60, and maybe one or two will stay on the field for the entire game, or almost.”
An away game atmosphere
The Bleu-blanc-noir is used to playing the Rowdies in their own stadium, in front of their supporters. This annual matchup, which is often scheduled near the end of training camp, like this year, mirrors the atmosphere of an away game, with the noise and support from the crowd serving as motivation for the home team. The Impact will have to continue increasing its level of play and while staying focused, now just 10 days before the start of the MLS regular season.
“The team spirit is strong,” said defender Zakaria Diallo. “We know we’re in the final phase of preparation and we’re finalizing our style of play. These last preseason games are important. It’s on us to approach them as if they were the first games of the season.”
More minutes for young players?
This second matchup in a sequence of three games in eight days for Rémi Garde’s men will allow certain players to familiarize themselves with the sensations that come with playing 90 minutes, while others may have their chance at impressing the head coach and gain experience against a physically imposing team in the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
“We should be able to match that physicality and replicate it,” said midfielder Shamit Shome. “It will be a challenge, because the Rowdies are a big and physical team. We need to adjust to that part of their game and manage it.”
Upcoming games
The Impact will bring to an end its training camp on Saturday, February 23, when it takes on D.C. United at 7pm, also part of the Rowdies Suncoast Invitational, a game which will be broadcast live on impactmontreal.com.
The team then heads to California, where it will open the regular season against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, March 2, at 10pm EST at Avaya Stadium (TVA Sports). The Impact will open its season at home, at Stade Saputo, on Saturday, April 13, at 1pm against the Columbus Crew SC.
