A total of 7,200 tickets had already been sold early this week. Last year’s match-up in Quebec City attracted 8,623 spectators, a record for an Impact game played in the provincial capital.
"We’re looking forward to seeing our fans in Quebec City," said head coach Nick DeSantis before his team’s departure. "It’s always great to get back in touch with soccer fans outside of Montreal. It’s a festive atmosphere and the players love it.
"In fact, it’s become sort of a tradition. Several of our foreign players take advantage of the event to stay over a couple more days and visit the city."
The Impact has never been defeated in Quebec City, with a record of two wins and one tie, without allowing a single goal.
This year’s visitors, the Islanders, are into they first A-League season. The Impact beat them 2-0 in Puerto Rico on April 25, and then 1-0 on August 4 in Montreal. In that game where Fred Commodore was the night’s only goal-scorer, DeSantis’ squad had a 20-6 edge in shots, but only managed to beat goalkeeper Michael Ueltschey once. Ueltschey was Greg Sutton’s back-up in 2002 with the Impact.
"We did well the last time out against them, but our finishing was lacking," said DeSantis. "We have to convert more of our scoring chances this time. We hope the goals are going to come in Quebec City and that we’ll be able to give fans a good show."
After a 0-6-2 start to the season, the Islanders replaced Vitor Hugo Barros by Hugo Maradona at the coaching position, May 19. Since then, Puerto Rico has posted an improved record of 5-8-4.
The Impact will be coming into Quebec City with a undefeated streak of five games (4-0-1), good for an overall record of 14-4-5 and second place in the Eastern Conference standings. The team is one point behind the Richmond Kickers, but with two games in hand over the Virginia-based team.
"The team is still fighting for a playoff spot and first place," said DeSantis. "With only five games to go, each game is crucial."
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SOURCE:
bcomm
INFO:
Stéphane Banfi
514-328-3668 (ext. 27)
