It will be the third of four matchups between both teams in 2011. Both teams played to 0-0 ties, on May 28, in Florida, and June 18, at Saputo Stadium.
“We are adressing each game and each practice with a new approach," said Impact head coach and sporting director Nick De Santis. "I think that if the team puts the effort and works together, it will lead to winning games. We put a lot of intensity and rhythm through the last eight days, but it’s obvious that there are some elements and principles we need to follow to find success. Tomorrow we must play well at home, and in doing that, we will find back the road to victory.”
"Only hardwork will lead us to do well and to win games," said Impact striker Eduardo Sebrango, who has played the last two games. "It's important for the team morale to get back on a winning streak, especially at home. The whole team has to be more aggressive and involved in the attack. And if we continue to be good defensively everything will go the right way."
The Impact has not allowed a goal at Saputo Stadium in the last 309 minutes of play.
In its last game, 10 days ago, the Impact was shut out 2-0 against the Carolina RailHawks, at WakeMed Soccer Park, in Cary.
Montreal is unbeaten at home against Fort Lauderdale, with a record of three wins and five ties in eight games.
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers are currently sixth in the NASL standings with a record of three wins, four losses and eight ties for a total of 17 points. In their last game, the Strikers lost 3-2 against the Atlanta Silverbacks, last Saturday, in Florida.
Defender Zurab Tsiskaridze will miss the game for personal reasons. He will be back in Montreal on Friday.
Goalkeeper Bill Gaudette (ankle) as well as forward Reda Agourram (groin) will also miss the game due to injuries.
Tickets for Wednesday's game are still available through Admission Network (admission.com / 514-790-1245) or at Saputo Stadium’s ticketing office.
The Impact will play its next home game at Saputo Stadium, Sunday, against the Atlanta Silverbacks, at 3:30pm (CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, radio-canada.ca/sports).
OTHER FACTS
• Defenders Eddy Viator (Guadeloupe), Ross Smith (Canada) and Cameron Knowles (New Zealand), as well as midfielder Ian Westlake (England) are all on tryout with the team this week.
• Striker Eduardo Sebrango is only two goals away from the 100 career goals in North American second division.
• Striker Ali Gerba also needs two goals to reach 50 career goals in North American second division.
• Defender Phlippe Billy has played 44 consecutive regular season games with the Impact.
• Forward Eduardo Coutet is currently fourth in the NASL goal-scoring leaders with six goals and third with four assists.
• Goalkeeper Matt Glaeser is second in the NASL with four shutouts.
THREE NEXT GAMES
• Sunday, July 17 – Atlanta Silverbacks @ IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 3:30pm (CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, radio-canada.ca/sports)
• Friday, July 22 – IMPACT @ Minnesota Stars – National Sports Center – 8:30pm
(nscminnesota.com)
• Sunday, July 31 – Puerto Rico Islanders @ IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 2:30pm (Radio-Canada, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, radio-canada.ca/sports)
