Just two losses since 2012 in first game of the season at Stade Saputo
It never feels like the season is truly underway until the Bleu-blanc-noir finally hits the field at Stade Saputo for the first time. The supporters’ chants, the smell of grass, the electricity and the bell ringing when we score; there’s nothing quite like it.
Of course, in previous seasons, Impact supporters would take in the club’s first game in Montreal (and maybe even the second) at Olympic Stadium, just a stone’s throw away from the Bleu-blanc-noir’s real home, Stade Saputo. And although the Impact, through the years, has played its fair share of historic games under the world’s tallest inclined tower, it always leaves the supporters aching for the atmosphere you can find a few yards away.
This year is different. For the very first time, the Impact’s home opener will actually be played where it should be played, at Stade Saputo, where the Bleu-blanc lost just four games last season. Of course, the players will rejoice, knowing they won’t have to subject their knees to the Olympic Stadium’s tough turf through 90 minutes, while the fans add an extra date with Stade Saputo to the calendar.
But there’s an additional reason for the Bleu-blanc-noir family to be happy.
No place like home
The Impact may have never played its home opener at Stade Saputo, but the first game of the season within its walls always marks a special occasion for the Bleu-blanc-noir. That feeling seems to translate onto the pitch as well; in seven opening games at Stade Saputo, the Montreal team has managed four wins, a draw, and just two losses, although one did come at the hands of its sworn enemy, Toronto FC.
Let’s take a look at some of these games, including one against the same foe we’ll face in this year’s opening game at Stade Saputo, the Columbus Crew SC.
June 16, 2012 – First MLS game at Stade Saputo
This one was especially unique, as you can see from the title. The first ever MLS game played at Stade Saputo had to wait until the middle of June, as the stadium was still in the middle of an expansion phase when the season started. But the wait was well worth it.
With Seattle in town, a team that hadn’t lost a game on the road all year, the Impact put a great performance, beating the Sounders 4-1.
April 14, 2013 – A draw against Columbus
What a game this was, not just on the pitch, but off it as well. After the game was delayed by a day due to a snowstorm 24 hours before the scheduled kickoff, both teams fought tooth and nail on Stade Saputo’s cleared pitch in a matchup that ultimately finished in a 1-1 draw.
Both teams took a while to get started (maybe the cold had something to do with it), but the Impact’s first ever Designated Player, Marco Di Vaio, opened the scoring to give the hosts the lead. Ironically enough, it was future Bleu-blanc-noir player Dominic Oduro who ended up tying it four minutes later.
We still have the shovels that were used to clear the stadium of all that snow somewhere around here.
April 26, 2014 – Slight win over Philly
Victory for the Impact in its first game at Stade Saputo in 2014, keeping its unbeaten streak during opening games at home alive at three. There was just one goal in this one, scored by former Bleu-blanc-noir midfielder Felipe and assisted by club legend Patrice Bernier.
May 6, 2015 – Defending our Canadian Championship
We all remember the beginning of the 2015 season; the club’s magical Concacaf Champions League run all the way to the final, where the Bleu-blanc-noir was eventually edged out over two legs by Mexican powerhouse Club América. Of course, that run started a long time ago, when the Impact earned its spot in the tournament by winning the Canadian Championship.
The first game in 2015 at Stade Saputo marked the beginning of the defense of our title against our enemies west of the Ottawa River, Toronto FC. It was former Impact striker Jack Mclnerney who made the difference in this one, notching the game’s lone goal in the 68th minute.
April 23, 2016 – Reds get their revenge
Almost a year later, Toronto FC managed to get its revenge on the same soil, beating the Impact 2-0 to spoil the return to Stade Saputo. It was the Atomic Ant getting both goals in this one, including one from the spot (of course).
April 15, 2017 – First Atlanta United loss on the road
If there’s one game that will get you in the mood for a game at Stade Saputo, it’s this one. MLS Cup current holders Atlanta United, just the latest expansion side at the time, was visiting Stade Saputo for the very first time, still unbeaten on the road to kick off its inaugural MLS season.
After the visitors opened the scoring, who else but Nacho Piatti to bring things level. Then, in the 93rd minute, this:
Anthony Jackson-Hamel got the crowd to its feet with a delightful flick, giving the Impact all three points with seconds to spare. How about Anthony Calvillo ringing that bell?
April 21, 2018 – Barrage of goals against LAFC
It was another expansion team, Los Angeles FC, visiting the Impact for the opening game at Stade Saputo last year. The storylines in this one were endless; Nacho Piatti scoring his first hat-trick in a Bleu-blanc-noir uniform, Laurent Ciman making his return to Montreal and scoring, Evan Bush making a record-breaking 14 saves.
Despite the result, it was as exciting as it gets when it comes to the beautiful game.
April 13, 2019 – Predictions?
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