Martin Fabro, a 21-year old midfielder, was spotted by Impact head coach Nick De Santis and his assistant Peter Pinizzotto during a scouting trip in Argentina, last February. Fabro played more than 60 games in first division in Argentina with club Independiente, from 2002 to 2006. He also played for the U-20 National Team. Fabro signed a one-year deal, pending international clearance.
Shaun Tsakiris, a 28-year old American, played three seasons with the Rochester Raging Rhinos, from 2003 to 2005. In 36 games with Rochester, he played 1,767 minutes, scored one goal and added four assists. Beforehand, he was a member of the defunct Syracuse Salty Dogs. Tsakiris also played 24 games with the United States U20 National Team.
“These two players are important additions to our line-up which will bring considerable depth to our midfield,” said Impact head coach Nick De Santis. “Martin (Fabro) is an offensive and creative midfielder who has a lot of speed. Shaun (Tsakiris) is a player with experience who has an excellent technique.”
VINCELLO AND WEBER ARE BACK
Defender Mauricio Vincello, the 2006 winner of the Giuseppe-Saputo Trophy awarded to the Impact’s team MVP, has played the last three seasons with the Impact. In 2006, he started at least 20 games and played a minimum of 1,500 minutes for the 7th time in as many USL D1 seasons. The 29-year old defender was also a starter for the USL All-Star Game, July 19 in Cary, North Carolina.
Goalkeeper Andrew Weber made his USL D1 debut with the Impact in 2006, winning the Impact’s Unsung Hero award. Taking over for Greg Sutton after an injury, the 23-year-old ‘keeper played in 14 straight games, posting an impressive 8-1-5 record with a 0.571 GAA and seven shutouts.
“Both of them played an important role for us last year, said Nick De Santis. “Mauricio (Vincello) is a player who consistently helps us boost one of the best defenses in the league every year and who can provide good offensive support. He is one of the most respected players in the league. Andrew (Weber) on his side has shown a very good work ethic. He demonstrated very good skills in 2006.”
2007 TRAINING CAMP: SIX PLAYERS INVITED
Six players who took part in the Impact “on invitation” three-day camp, last week, have been invited to the team’s official training camp, which will kick off Thursday morning at 9 am at the Catalogna Soccerplexe, in Lachine.
Defenders Cédric Joqueviel and Paul Moran, midfielders Joe Di Buono and Seth Tremblay, as well as forwards Ablaye Camara and Evans Asembia were invited.
For a second consecutive season, the team will then fly to Florida, from March 23 to April 4 to continue its camp outdoors, at the Sunrise Hilton Sports Complex in Fort Lauderdale. The Impact will square off against USL First Division teams in exhibition play, notably against the Rochester Raging Rhinos, March 29, and the Miami FC, March 30.
The Impact will kick off the 2007 First Division United Soccer Leagues season on Sunday, April 21 in Atlanta against the Silverbacks. The Impact will play its 14th home opener of its history at Claude-Robillard Sports Complex on Sunday, May 20, against the Seattle Sounders.
The Impact 2007 season-ticket packages are now on sale. For further information, contact the Impact ticketing office at 514-328-3668 or ticketing@impactmontreal.com.
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PHOTOS PÉPÉ
Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668 (ext. 27)
