The Impact is still looking for its first win of the season. The Impact tied the Battery 0-0, April 18 in Charleston, lost 2-1 against the Miami FC, on April 24, in Miami, and then lost against the Islanders, in Puerto Rico, on May 2.
This is the 16th home opener in club history. This is the first time that a game is played this early in the season in Montreal.
Since its arrival in the league in 1993, the Impact owns a 10-1-4 lifetime record (23 GF – 6 GA), during its home openers.
“Playing in front of our fans, in our stadium, is always special,” said Impact head coach John Limniatis. “But in the end, it’s like any other game because we have to get the three points. As a team, our objective is to get a maximum of points at home. We want to get back in the championship as soon as possible.”
Since the Rhinos’ arrival in the league in 1996, the Impact owns a 25-14-6 lifetime record against its Rochester rivals. The Impact holds a home record of 18-2-2 (35BP - 6BC) against the Rhinos.
“Rochester is a good team and they had good results so far this season,” said Impact defender Adam Braz. “It’s always tough against Rochester because of the intense rivalry with them, which has built up over the years. We are excited to play our first game in front of our great fans. They will give us the lift that we need.”
Midfielder Patrick Leduc will undergo surgery on his right foot, probably next Wednesday. Leduc has not played since August 27, 2008. He had taken part in training camp and had played a number of off season games this winter, but is not active since March 1.
Team captain Mauro Biello (clavicle) and defender Stefano Pesoli (knee) will also miss the game due to injuries.
Midfielder Sandro Grande will not play on Saturday. He received a fine and was suspended until Monday after infringing a club rule.
OTHER FACTS
• Defender Nevio Pizzolitto is 54 minutes from the 20,000 minutes played mark in the USL First Division.
• Last year, the Impact and the Whitecaps tied 0-0, May 19, during the first game opener at Saputo Stadium.
• The Impact shut out its opponent in 12 out of the 15 home openers.
• It is the second time that the Impact faces Rochester in its home opener.
• Last season, the Impact and the Rhinos tied 1-1 on July 25, in Rochester. Less than 48 hours later, the Impact lost 2-0 in Montreal. Then on August 13, a goal by Tony Donatelli allowed the Impact to win 1-0 at Saputo Stadium.
• The Rhinos are playing their first eight games of the season on the road. Rochester will then play 11 consecutive games at home, in July and August.
• The Rhinos have not lost during their three last games: 0-0 in Puerto Rico, April 24, 2-1 in Miami, April 26 and 3-0 in Cleveland on May 1.
NEXT GAMES
• Wednesday, May 13 – IMPACT @ Toronto FC – BMO Field – 8 pm (Nutrilite Canadian Championship)
• Friday, May 15 – Charleston @ IMPACT –Saputo Stadium – 7:30 pm (Radio-Canada, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com)
• Sunday, May 17– Austin @ IMPACT –Saputo Stadium – 3:30 pm (Radio-Canada, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com)
PRE-GAME VIDEO
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668, Ext. 227
