The Impact has just one loss in its MLS history
The Montreal Impact will play the latest home opener in its history, but also the first ever at Stade Saputo, this Saturday, April 13, at 1pm against the Columbus Crew SC (TVA Sports, TSN, 98.5, TSN 690). There are still excellent tickets left for the first game in Montreal in 2019, as you can see here.
Home opening games have often been favourable to the Impact since its promotion to MLS – and in its 26-season history. At Olympic Stadium for the season kick-off, the club boasts a record of three wins, three draws and one loss. In the second division, since 1993, Montreal’s record for the first home game of the season is of 10 wins, six draws and two losses. Let’s turn back the clock and dive into the archives to remember these games at the start of spring.
IMFC 1-1 Chicago Fire, March 17, 2012
The very first MLS game in Montreal was played in front of 58,912 people, pitting the Impact against the Chicago Fire. You will probably recognize the visitors’ number 8, even though his head is shaved…
IMFC 2-1 Toronto FC, March 16, 2013
This was the Impact’s second win in MLS over the rivals. We remember that game as if it was yesterday: a vintage Patrice Bernier penalty and a goal from the fox in the box Di Vaio, all of that in front of 37,896 supporters.
IMFC 0-2 Seattle Sounders FC, March 23, 2014
The only loss in an MLS home opening game, the start to the campaign in 2014 was a bit dull, a forecast of what was to come in this forgettable season. Let’s move on.
IMFC 2-2 Orlando City SC, March 28, 2015
An expansion team with a guy named Kaká in its ranks, the Lions fought tooth and nail for this point away from home, their fourth one in two games outside of Orlando. A first half full of goals delighted the 25,245 people in the Big O, some of whom might have recognized Orlando’s goalkeeper, Donovan Ricketts.
IMFC 3-0 New York Red Bulls, March 12, 2016
Before eliminating the Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference semifinal last fall, the Bleu-blanc-noir had opened its home schedule in front of 27,545 faithful fans against the team led by Jesse Marsch. The result was scathing for the visitors and the performance, outstanding, notably with Anthony Jackson-Hamel’s first MLS goal and an impressive possession phase.
IMFC 2-2 Seattle Sounders FC, March 17, 2017
Against the defending MLS Cup champions, the Impact took a 2-0 lead, but a penalty conceded in the last 10 minutes and an equalizer in the 94th minute set the table for what would be a disappointing season.
IMFC 1-0 Toronto FC, March 17, 2018
In what was a difficult start to the season, this rivalry game against Toronto FC was truly a happy moment for the Montreal club. Rémi Garde’s first victory at the Impact’s helm came at home, against the Reds, thanks to a goal from Jeisson Vargas, but also thanks to a solid defensive performance in front of 26,000 people.
Supporters can purchase a 2019 Membership on impactmontreal.comor 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. For more information, click here.
Partial Memberships of nine games (half-season) or six games (one game per month) are also available starting at just $25 per game, allowing you to save up to 25% on the price of individual tickets. Three-game packages will also be available as of this Saturday, at 9am. For more information on partial Memberships and packages, click here.
