The Impact is currently fighting for a playoff spot, with seven games left in the regular season. Montreal sits in 9th place in the standings, one point ahead of Baltimore and one point behind the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The top eight teams move on to the post-season.
“We have to play one half at a time and show patience on the field,” said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. “We have to remain a close-knit team and manage our emotions. Our focus is only on this game and the three points that we are trying to earn.”
For the first time this season, the team is four games under .500. The Impact will try to end a six-game winless streak on the road.
The Impact is looking to earn its first victory against Baltimore this season, after losing 2-1 on July 18 at Saputo Stadium, and tying 1-1 in Maryland on July 31, and then 0-0 on August 11 in Montreal.
The last meeting between these two teams was dominated by the Impact, with a 24-7 advantage in shots on goal and a 13-2 advantage in corner kicks.
The Impact lost its last game to the Rhinos, on August 14 in Rochester, by a 2-1 score.
“We are creating many scoring opportunities lately and I feel that we are right on the line that separates us from winning,” said midfielder Tony Donatelli, the Impact’s leading scorer with six goals and 15 points. “We have to remain confident and the results will come. We must win on Saturday.”
Crystal Palace look to rebound after allowing two goals in the final minutes of its last game against the Rochester Rhinos, last Wednesday at home, in a 2-0 loss.
French forward Anthony Le Gall, as well as Quebec midfielder Pierre-Rudolph Mayard, who joined the Impact on Tuesday, will be available for Saturday’s game.
Goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic (concussion), defenders Stephen deRoux (cheek) and Simon Gatti (groin), as well as forward Marco Terminesi (appendicitis) did not make the trip with the team due to injuries.
On another note, the Impact Academy (4-8-5) will complete a four-game home stand on Saturday. The Impact reserve team will play the North York Astros (4-10-2), at Saputo Stadium, at 1pm.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
• Defender Nevio Pizzolitto’s next start will be the 250th of his career.
• Baltimore striker Gary Brooks scored a goal in two of the three meetings versus Montreal this season.
• Midfielder Tsuyoshi Yoshitake is Crystal Palace’s leading scorer with three goals and one assist.
THE NEXT THREE GAMES
• Friday, August 27 – Rochester @ IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 7:30 pm (Radio-Canada, radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)
• Wednesday, September 8 – IMPACT @ Puerto Rico – Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium – 8:05 pm (prislandersfc.com)
• Saturday, September 11 – IMPACT @ Miami – Lockhart Stadium - 7:30pm (miamifc.com)
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 (ext. 227)
