Crucial game for both teams in MLS Cup playoff race
MONTREAL – The Impact will play an important game in the context of the race to the MLS Cup playoffs, this Saturday at 7:30pm, against the Chicago Fire at Stade Saputo (TVA Sports, 98,5fm). Excellent tickets remain available on impactmontreal.com. Also, $1 per individual ticket purchased will be donated to the organization Pride MTL, as part of the Pride Festival.
“We’re starting to play games that will have more and more tension,” said Impact head coach Rémi Garde. “Since we know our last game of the season is in New England, I think we can expect this kind of scenario until the very end. I find it interesting to be in this position. A few months ago, we would have loved to be here. We need to work and prepare well, and approach games with confidence, but also a lot of focus, which we’ve lacked, I find.”
IMFC Summer will once again shine bright in the stadium’s corridors, from the second the doors open at 5:30pm. The 2-for-1 special on all drinks will be in place until 6:30pm, and a DJ, accompanied by a host, will set the atmosphere. Also, by arriving early, supporters can take advantage of a plethora of activities offered by our partners, and you can try your luck against LyesMTL, the Impact’s eSports player, in a game of FIFA 18 on PS4 in the BMO Celebration Zone.
The MLS bag policy will be in place for this game. Backpacks, camera bags, and big tote bags, as well as any bag larger than 35cm x 35cm x 15cm will not be accepted inside the stadium.
Also, please note that more traffic than usual is expected in the Sherbrooke/Pie-IX/Pierre-de-Couberton/Viau area, as Viau Street will be closed southbound between Beaubien Street and Rosemont Boulevard. The Impact strongly suggests using public transportation to get to the stadium and exit at Viau metro station. Drivers are welcome to use P1 parking lot, on Pierre-de-Coubertin, P3 on Pie-IX, and P4 on Sherbrooke.
Aiming for victory
Montreal will need to take all three points on Saturday to maintain its favourable position in the race to a playoff spot. The Impact, sixth at the moment, is especially battling against the Philadelphia Union, who is equal on points but with two games in hand, the New England Revolution, sitting a point behind but who also benefits from two games in hand, and with D.C. United, six points away but with four games more to play than the Bleu-blanc-noir.
The Chicago Fire, on its end, finds itself tied with Orlando City SC and Toronto FC for last in the East, most notably due to a problematic summer: Veljko Paunovic’s troops haven’t amassed a single point since June. Now seven points away from the Bleu-blanc-noir, the Illinois club can shuffle the deck by getting a result at Stade Saputo.
“We absolutely need to win, especially against a direct rival who’s also battling for a playoff spot,” said midfielder Samuel Piette. “At home, we need to try and collect the most points possible. That’s the plan this Saturday.”
At Stade Saputo, the Impact has beaten the Fire five times, while suffering two losses. Nacho Piatti, tied for fifth in MLS for goals this season, has managed three goals and one assist in eight career games against Chicago, while striker Matteo Mancosu has found the back of the net twice in five meetings with the Fire.
New players available
The three Impact recruits acquired on MLS transfer deadline day, last Wednesday, will all be at Rémi Garde’s disposal for this one. It is therefore possible to see Bacary Sagna, Quincy Amarikwa, or Micheal Azira earn their first start in an Impact uniform on Saturday.
“I will strive to do my best to try and bring something more to the team, and I hope we end up in the playoffs,” said defender Bacary Sagna. “I’ve done the maximum to be ready as soon as possible, and to be competitive. After, it’s the coach’s choice, and I’ll respect it.”
“I just played here a few weeks ago, on the opponent’s side, and I really saw the advantage the home side has, from top to bottom, at Stade Saputo,” said striker Quincy Amarikwa. “I’m very much happy to be back, but on the receiving side this time.”
“It’s a great opportunity for us,” said midfielder Micheal Azira. “A lot of teams are fighting to try and get into the playoffs. If we can make it, it would be great for the city and the fans. It’s our objective and it’s very exciting.”
Upcoming games
The Impact will continue its sequence of key matchups with a road game against Toronto FC on Saturday, August 25, at 8pm at BMO Field (TVA Sports, TSN, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690). The Bleu-blanc-noir will then host another rival, the New York Red Bulls, on Saturday, September 1, at 7:30pm at Stade Saputo (TICKETS – TVA Sports, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690).
