For the occasion, the Impact will face the Virginia Beach Mariners in a United Soccer Leagues First Division regular-season match-up. The fact that 6,000 tickets have already been sold 10 days away from the event is a statement to the fact that soccer is a vibrant sport in the Estrie region, says Christian Gagnon, Director of Sherbrooke University’s sport and physical activity service.
“We are particularly proud to host the Impact,” said Gagnon. “We have a very good relationship with the Montreal organization. After the big success of the Regional Select Teams tournament, organized recently by Soccer Estrie at Sherbrooke University, we can see how much soccer is still very popular in the region.”
“We are glad to be back in Sherbrooke,” said Impact head coach Nick De Santis. “We have always received a warm welcome here and we know that the game will be run in a professional manner.”
The event’s honourary chairman will be Roger Frot. This soccer devotee has been involved in many sports committees and boards in the Estrie region but also around the province.
Last year, on August 28, 2005, the Impact shut out the Rochester Raging Rhinos 2-0 in front of 9,519 spectators at Sherbrooke University Stadium. On August 22, 2004, in its first-ever regular-season game played in Sherbrooke, the Impact blanked the Atlanta Silverbacks 1-0 before 9,128 fans.
As part of the festivities surrounding the Impact’s game in Sherbrooke, several activities will be held. A clinic for referees will be hosted by Martin Hamel of the Quebec Soccer Federation, while a clinic for the region’s coaches will be given by Nick De Santis.
Tickets for the Impact game can be purchased at the ticket office of Sherbrooke University’s Cultural Centre or by phone at 819-820-1000. Tickets will also be available at the stadium ticket office as of noon on game day.
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
Saturday, August 26
4:00 pm – Sherbrooke University Stadium’s field
Impact public practice
5:30 pm - Sherbrooke University Stadium’s field
Coaches’ clinic with Nick De Santis
Sunday, August 27
10:00 am – Sherbrooke University Stadium’s President’s Loge
Referees’ clinic with Martin Hamel
11:30 am - Univestrie Pavilion’s field
Legea Technicals Games
2:00 pm - Sherbrooke University Stadium
Gates open for the Impact-Mariners game
4:00 pm - Sherbrooke University Stadium
Start of Impact-Mariners game
-30-
Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
514-328-3668 ext. 27
Virginie St-Arnaud Lavoie, SSAP
819-821-8000 ext. 62596
