Three home games you won’t want to miss
The arrival of the new year is symbolic for Major League Soccer. Just a few days after festivities ended, the official schedule for the 2019 season was released by MLS, giving every team an idea on what to expect once March comes around.
Supporters can purchase a 2019 season Membership on impactmontreal.com or by calling 514-328-3668. The IMFC Membership allows you to notably save up to 50% on the price of individual tickets, take advantage of discounts at the club’s boutique and at Stade Saputo’s food concession stands, while having access to exclusive events. It is possible to pay for your Membership in monthly, interest-free payments. Individual tickets and mini-season packages for other season games will be available in the coming weeks.
As per usual, the regular season schedule consists of 17 games at home and another 17 on the road, all broadcast live on TVA Sports. Impact Media takes a look at which matchups you REALLY won’t want to miss during the 2019 season. Let’s start with those at home:
Montreal Impact v Columbus Crew SC – April 13
This home opener won’t be like other home openers. Since the Montreal Impact joined MLS in 2012, every single one of its first home games of the season has been played at Olympic Stadium. Of course, the venerable venue just a stone’s throw away from Stade Saputo has served its purpose well for the Bleu-blanc-noir over the years, but at the end of the day, the Impact only has one home.
So, after six games on the road to kick off 2019, the Impact will come back to Stade Saputo to open its season at home, against the Columbus Crew SC. It should make for an electrifying atmosphere.
Montreal Impact v Toronto FC – July 13
Only two matchups against our sworn enemy this year, excluding any potential Canadian Championship and MLS Cup playoff action (let’s hope). So, Toronto’s only visit – for the time being – to Stade Saputo is going to be a big one this year. No matter where these teams are in the standings, you know they’ll leave everything on the pitch.
In 2018, Montreal managed two wins out of three games against the Reds, both coming at home, one at Olympic Stadium for the home opener, and another near season’s end at Stade Saputo. With head coach Rémi Garde now accustomed to the Canadian Classique, and with a former Impact centre-back joining the Ontario team, the tension could be even bigger than usual.
Montreal Impact v Vancouver Whitecaps FC – August 28
Montreal’s matchups against Vancouver may not contain as much hate as its matchups against Toronto, but a certain rivalry has been built over the years between the two Canadian clubs. After opening the season in 2018 at BC Place, it is now Vancouver’s turn to visit Stade Saputo during the regular season in 2019.
What makes this special is that it’ll mark the return of former Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos, who led the Bleu-blanc-noir to a USL championship in 2009. After returning to Stade Saputo last year as an assistant coach with LAFC, this will mark his first return as a head coach.
