Must watch matchups in 2020
If it wasn’t official when training camp started a little over two weeks ago, it’s official now. The Montreal Impact officially launched its season last Friday night, in a private event in front of its members, which was broadcast live on TVA Sports.
The squad is now back in Florida to continue its camp under the watchful eye of head coach Thierry Henry and his staff, preparing for a continental clash against Costa Rican side Saprissa in the Concacaf Champions League round of 16.
So, in honour of our season launching officially, we’ve focused on the five games this year you really won’t want to miss.
Saprissa v IMFC – February 19 – Estadio Ricardo Saprissa
The first one is obvious, of course. It will all get started on February 19, at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa. It’ll be our first opportunity to see what Thierry Henry’s version of the Impact can do on the pitch, in a competition in which the Impact has been known to have success.
IMFC v Saprissa – February 26 – Olympic Stadium
The return leg at Olympic Stadium on February 26 is sure to be an electric affair. If you haven’t already got your tickets, you can purchase them here (LINK). Montreal’s run in the Concacaf Champions League in 2015 created some of the most memorable images in the history of the Big O and this edition of the Montreal club will look to leave its mark on the continent once again.
IMFC v Inter Miami FC – June 17 – Stade Saputo
The long-awaited arrival of David Beckham’s Inter Miami is finally happening in 2020 and the first ever matchup between the Impact and the Miami representatives is set for June 17 at Stade Saputo. The squad led by head coach Diego Alonso will look to have an immediate impact in its first MLS season; there’s no telling what star power they’ll manage to add before the season officially kicks off in a month’s time.
IMFC v LAFC – June 20 – Stade Saputo
Just three days later, the Impact faithful will be treated to another spending evening of football, when MVP Carlos Vela and LAFC make their way to Stade Saputo for only the second time in its history.
Although they were unceremoniously ousted by the Seattle Sounders in the semifinals of last year’s MLS Cup, Bob Bradley’s men arguably put up one of the best regular seasons in MLS history, and Carlos Vela broke the goalscoring record, notching 34 goals in 31 games last year.
When these two teams meet, it always seems to be a high-scoring affair, so expect goals when they hit the pitch.
IMFC v Toronto FC – August 22 – Stade Saputo
There’s nothing like your rival visiting your home. The passion is that much stronger, the support that much louder, and the energy that much more intense. Last year, another chapter of this rivalry came to a close with the Impact winning the Canadian Championship on enemy territory, so the Reds will have that in the back of their minds when they visit the Quebec metropolis in late summer.
