With six games left this season, the Impact sits in 7th place in the standings with 28 points, tied with the Minnesota Stars, one point behind Puerto Rico.
The teams USSF Second Division standings are still very close with only seven points between the 4th place team and the club that is 9th.
In its last match, the Impact shutout the Baltimore Crystal Palace 5-0, last Saturday night, in Maryland.
“The win against Baltimore was positive for our group, but we must have another good result Friday," said Impact team captain Nevio Pizzolitto. "With a win we would breath easier. We also want to prove that the 5-0 win was not a fluke and that we will be there until the end.”
It will be a good challenge against Rochester, which has already clinched a playoff berth. The Rhinos have lost only five times in 25 games, have won their last six games and have lost only three times in 12 road games this season.
The Impact will be looking for its first victory against the Rhinos this year. In its last match, on August 14, the Impact lost 2-1, at Marina Auto Stadium.
"This will be a good test for us, playing the first place team, but we are confident after playing a good game the last time we played them in Rochester," said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "We know that this game will once again be played in the details and we made sure that everyone is aware of their responsibilities."
Rochester sits in second spot in the league in terms of goals allowed with only 18 goals conceded in 25 games. However, Impact forward Eduardo Sebrango scored twice against Rochester this season.
Tony Donatelli (1,956 minutes) and Philippe Billy (1,928 minutes) could both reach the 2,000 minutes played mark for the season on Friday.
Defenders Stephen deRoux (cheek) and Simon Gatti (groin) are still out of the lineup due to injuries, while forward Marco Terminesi (appendicitis) and goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic (concussion) are evaluated on a day-to-day basis.
The Impact will then play its next two matches on the road in Puerto Rico on Wednesday, September 8 and in Miami, on Saturday, September 11.
OTHER FACTS
• Patrick Leduc’s next game will be the 219th of his career with the Impact. He will then tie Nick De Santis for third place on the club’s all-time list, behind Nevio Pizzolitto (271) and Mauro Biello (344).
• Montreal has dominated the majority of its home games against the Rhinos with an 18-3-3 record (37GF-9GA).
• The history between these two teams has contributed to a strong rivalry. The Impact was eliminated from the playoffs by Rochester on four separate occasions (1996, 1998, 2002, and 2003). In 2004, Montreal finally overcame the Rhinos.
• Rhinos forward Isaac Kissi is leading the team in scoring with five goals and two assists, for 12 points.
THE LAST FIVE GAMES
• Wednesday, September 8 – IMPACT @ Puerto Rico – Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium – 8:05pm (prislandersfc.com)
• Saturday, September 11 – IMPACT @ Miami – Lockhart Stadium – 7:30pm (miamifc.com)
• Sunday, September 19 – Tampa Bay @ IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 2pm (radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)
• Friday, September 24 – IMPACT @ Vancouver – Swangard Stadium – 10:30pm (Radio-Canada, whitecapsfc.com)
• Sunday, October 3 – Austin @ IMPACT – Saputo Stadium– 2pm (radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 (ext. 227)
