The Montreal organization surpassed the 50,000 ticket sold mark, Tuesday afternoon. Excellent tickets are still available for that historical game.
“We are ready,” said veteran midfielder Patrick Leduc. “Players like me who have been with the Impact for many years are enjoying every moment, as this game is a sign that we have come a long way. Enormous efforts have been made in this adventure. We are competitive and not only do we want to make a good impression, but we want to win.”
“Santos Laguna has good ball possession, they are patient, but at the same time they are very fast with the ball,” said forward Eduardo Sebrango. “We will need to be very focused as much defensively as offensively. If we play well as a team, we will have good chances of winning. I’m thrilled to take part in this important game.”
Santos Laguna finished the group phase in first place of Group D, with a record of three victories, two losses and a tie (14 GF – 11 GA).
Santos Laguna has a record of two wins, three losses and two ties in seven games played so far in the Mexican Championship. The team only allowed five goals, given the expertise of goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez, who also plays on the Mexican national team. The Mexican squad, under the helm of head coach Daniel Guzman, won by shutout 2-0 against Monterrey, in its last game, Sunday. Forward star Christian Benitez, from Ecuador, made a comeback during that game, after recovering from a shoulder injury.
The Impact, which has started its training camp January 7, was unbeaten in nine preseason games (7-0-2). The Montreal club scored 23 goals and allowed only two goals.
“Player preparation has been going on for the last seven weeks to get ready for this match,” said Impact head coach John Limniatis. “We are expecting a good, experienced team, so in order to get results we are looking to show the same qualities. We need patience and commitment from all our players.”
The Impact had secured its qualification in the quarterfinals by finishing the group phase second in Group C, with a record of three wins, one loss and two ties. In that stage, the Impact played against Joe Public FC (Trinidad & Tobago), CD Olimpia (Honduras) and Atlante FC (Mexico).
The second and decisive game of the home-and away aggregate goal series will be played Thursday, March 5, in Torreón, Mexico.
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
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