MONTREAL – After drafting four players at the MLS SuperDraft, last Thursday in Indianapolis, the Montreal Impact selected four players in the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft, on Tuesday, via conference call with the league and the 18 other clubs.
With its first round selection, the Impact added forward Hakan Ilhan, from the University of North at Greensboro. In the following two rounds, the Impact drafted midfielder Jordan Leblanc, from Old Dominion University, midfielder Luciano Delbono, from Wake Forest University, and defender Juan Arbelaez, from Virginia Commonwealth University. The Impact decided to pass on its fifth and last selection, in the fourth round of the draft.
"The four players selected are players we have watched and seen over the last year," said Impact director of soccer operations Matt Jordan. "We will evaluate how they will fit into our current and future plans while looking at the needs of our team."
Ilhan (8th pick overall), 25, played three seasons with the UNCG Spartans, finishing with 29 goals and 19 assists in 58 games. In 2012, the forward was named to the NSCAA All-South Region Third Team and named First Team All-Southern Conference, leading the team in scoring with seven goals and seven assists.
Leblanc (27th pick overall), 21, finished his four year university career with 14 goals and five assists in 67 games played for Old Dominion University. In 2012, the midfielder scored five goals and added three assists in 17 games, all as a starter, earning third team NSCAA All-Region and Second Team All-CAA honours.
Delbono (46th pick overall), 21, played four seasons with Wake Forest, playing a total of 63 games, scoring one goal and adding five assists over that span. In 2012, the midfielder started 18 of 19 appearances, scoring one goal and adding two assists.
Arbelaez (47th pick overall), 22, started 20 of 21 games in 2012 for Virginia Commonwealth University, earning four assists. He joined the Rams in 2011 following two seasons at Georgia Permiter College.
Training camp in Orlando
Following two weeks of training in Montreal, the Impact heads to Orlando, Florida, from February 7 to 24, to take part in the Disney Pro Classic tournament. The Impact will take on MLS sides Sporting Kansas City on February 9 and D.C. United on February 16, while facing the NASL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) on February 13. The last game will be played on February 23, determined by the final tournament standings. The Impact will also face the Philadelphia Union in a preseason game on February 15, at EverBank Field, in Jacksonville.
Season Tickets
2013 season tickets are now available in seven categories, at a cost of $295, $385, $475, $580, $770 and $1070. Show your support to the club by paying with your BMO Montreal Impact MasterCard. Assure your spot for the 2013 season by contacting the Impact’s sales and services team at 514-328-3668.
