Impact could qualify for the quarterfinal series, by clinching a spot among the top two clubs in Group C.
“To qualify for the semi-finals would be the cherry on top of the cake,” said defender Nevio Pizzolitto. “We started off slow and we struggled. We were playing well but did not get results. We went through a lot so we deserve to give our fans something special.”
In the first game between the two clubs, October 1 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, the Impact registered a 2-1 win thanks to Roberto Brown’s two goals (3rd and 71st minute).
“Maybe they took us lightly in the first game but now it’s their last chance to get through to next round so we have to be ready,” said Impact head coach John Limniatis. “It was good to have a little break without games because it’s going to be a tough and physical game. Clinching a quarterfinal spot Tuesday would give the opportunity to be stress free going into the last game. What we have done this far means a lot but it will mean something even bigger if we qualify for the next round. For the franchise this would be a huge accomplishment.”
In its last game in the CONCACAF Champions League, October 8, the Impact beat Joe Public 4-1, at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago but due to a 1-1 tie between CD Olimpia and Atlante FC, Montreal’s qualification was not secured.
CD Olimpia, which is coached by Juan de Dios Castillo, is currently ranked 3rd in Group C with four points, one less than Mexican club Atlante FC.
“When we go down to play in Central America countries, the weather and travel can affect us,” added Pizzolitto. “We are not going to base our game on this aspect but hopefully our home field advantage will help us. They are coming here to get a win.”
Defender Gabriel Gervais (blood clot), as well as midfielders Patrick Leduc (ankle) and David Testo (sports hernia) will miss the last two games of the group stage. Testo will undergo surgery Thursday.
Founded in 1912, the Honduran club has won 27 championship titles and was runner-up 14 times. The team qualified for the CONCACAF Champions League after finishing in first place in the season-ending championship in 2007-2008. CD Olimpia also won the CONCACAF Champions Cup twice in 1972 and 1988.
After four weeks of play in the CONCACAF Champions League group stage, the Impact is the only team among the 16 clubs to have tallied 10 points, not having lost in its first four games (3-0-1). The Impact also shows a +6 goal differential.
Only two other clubs are still unbeaten: the Pumas UNAM (Mexico) and the Houston Dynamo (MLS, United States).
Tony Donatelli (3), Roberto Brown (2), Stefano Pesoli, Rocco Placentino and Peter Byers scored the Impact’s eight goals in the CONCACAF Champions League group stage.
It is still possible to purchase tickets for Tuesday’s game at www.admission.com or by calling 514-790-1245.
IMPACT IN THE CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP STAGE
• Tuesday, October 28 – IMPACT @ Atlante FC – Mexico
- Live at 10 pm: bold TV, CBCSports.ca, Radio-Canada.ca/sports
- Tape delayed CBC (midnight)
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Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668, Ext. 227
