Montreal will be facing a significant challenge as the Timbers have only lost once in 21 games this season. The Timbers lost their first game of the season 1-0 in Vancouver and have since remained undefeated (11-0-9). The Timbers are leading the league both on the attack, with 32 goals, and on defense, having only conceded 11 goals since the start of the season.
“At this time in the season, you want to face good teams because strong teams make you better and they prepare you for the upcoming challenges,” said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. “I think that right now is the best time to face them. I’m confident that they will play against the best of the Montreal Impact. We want to make it to the playoffs and win as many games as possible. Four teams are battling for three spots. It will be difficult, but the good thing is that it depends on what we do.”
Since the arrival of the Timbers in 2001, the Impact has maintained an all-time record of 3-7-2 (6GF – 14GA) against their west coast American rivals. Earlier this season, the Impact was shut out twice at PGE Park: 1-0 on June 4 and 4-0 on June 28.
“We need to earn a maximum number of points at home. With good results, we will gain confidence,” noted team captain Mauro Biello, who is now only 9 minutes away from the 25,000 minutes played mark in career with the Impact. “With a win, we would certainly be sending a message to other teams in the league. It will be important to keep in mind that we are facing the top team in the standings because this is a team that could hurt us at any time in the match. We will need to play at our best if we want to get a good result.”
“Portland has one of the best defenses in the league,” added Dos Santos. “Their whole team has been playing together since the beginning of the season and it helps a lot to be constant. Wednesday we will not have a lot of opportunities, so we will need to take advantage of every occasion we get.”
The Impact has only lost once in its last six regular season matches (2-1-3). In its last game, Sunday afternoon, a goal from Roberto Brown at the 51st minute sealed Montreal’s 1-0 victory against the Minnesota Thunder.
Defender Adam Braz’ next start will be his 100th in career with the Impact. Only nine other players have reached that mark, including three who are still active: Biello (270), Pizzolitto (207) and Leduc (154).
Goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic, who played the last six regular season matches, should face the Timbers. He owns a 3-1-3 record and has registered three shutouts this season.
Midfielder Leighton O’Brien could play his first match with the Impact.
Defender Nevio Pizzolitto and forward Roberto Brown, who received their 5th caution of the season in the last game, will be suspended against Cleveland, August 18.
Tickets for Wednesday’s game are still available through Admission (514-790-1245 / admission.com) or at the Saputo Stadium ticketing office.
OTHER FACTS
• Forward Mandjou Keita is currently the points leader in the league with eight goals and four assists, for 20 points, in 21 matches.
• In their last match, August 8, the Timbers defeated the Charleston Battery 3-1, in Portland. Keita tallied one goal and two assists in that game.
• No less than 13 Timbers players have registered at least one goal this season, of which half have scored two goals or more.
NEXT GAMES
• Saturday, August 15 – IMPACT @ Puerto Rico – Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium - 8 pm (USLlive.com)
• Tuesday, August 18 – IMPACT @ Cleveland – Middlefield Cheese Stadium -7 pm (USLlive.com)
• Sunday, August 23 – Austin @ IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 3:30 pm (Radio-Canada, FSW, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668, Ext. 227
