Donatelli, 24, was playing with the Whitecaps since the 2006 season. At the end of last season he received the Whitecaps Unsung Hero Award after scoring five goals in 29 games. In 2006, he also helped the Whitecaps win the league championship, tallying three goals and one assist during the playoffs. In 10 games this season (480 minutes of play), Donatelli has one assist.
“We have acquired an excellent young player,” said Impact Technical Director Nick De Santis. “Donatelli is a player who knows the league well and who is good technically. Also, with the amount of money we are getting, it will allow us to hire another forward."
"Charles Gbeke had the opportunity to play with us this season, but forwards Roberto Brown and Severino Jefferson showed great things lately," added De Santis. "He is a player who gave us good services, but we had to make a decision.”
“I’m happy with this trade,” said Impact head coach John Limniatis. “We are adding to our lineup a versatile player who should fit well with this team. Even with Charles Gbeke’s departure we still have depth offensively, with players like Rocco Placentino and Joey Gjertsen who can also play as forwards.”
Charles Gbeke, 30, returned to the Impact for the 2007 season, scoring 10 goals in 28 games. In 12 games this season, he has scored once.
Donatelli is expected to join his new teammates Thursday for Montreal’s next game against the Puerto Rico Islanders on Sunday at Saputo Stadium.
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Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668 (ext. 27)
