First MLS regular season meeting in 2017 between Montreal and Toronto
MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact prepares to host its Toronto FC rival, on Sunday, at 4:30pm, at Stade Saputo (TVA Sports, TSN, ESPN, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690).
“It’s a big game for sure. We face the top team in the league and they are dominating right now, at home and away,” said Impact head coach Mauro Biello. “They are organized throughout all their phases of play, but we are in a good way right now. It sets up for a big game and a big challenge for us to continue on our sequence.”
Another edition of the IMFC Summer will start at 12:45pm, as the doors open, with the first Special Olympics friendly game in Canada between two MLS Clubs at 1pm. Two-for-one deals on all drinks from 2pm to 3pm will follow, and DJ Vito V will drop his electro and dance beats from 2:30pm.
The Impact recommends that supporters use public transit and get to the stadium early. Due to transformation work at the corner of Pie-IX Blvd. and Sherbrooke St., traffic delays may occur in the Olympic Park area, notably on Viau St., on Pierre-de-Coubertin Ave. and Notre-Dame St. E.
As usual, the MLS Bag Policy will be in effect. All backpacks, camera bags and large tote bags, as well as all bags bigger than 35 cm x 35 cm x 15 cm are prohibited.
Please also note that parking entrances have changed names since last season. Entrace PB is now called P5 (orange), while entrance PA has made way for entrances P1, P2 & P4 (yellow).
Four wins in a row
The Bleu-blanc-noir recorded its fourth straight win last weekend and has taken maximum points in August, on the way to sixth place in the Eastern Conference, which is the last qualifying spot for the MLS Cup playoffs.
Piatti and Dzemaili lead by example
During this sequence, Designated Players Nacho Piatti and Blerim Dzemaili have shined, scoring respectively six and two goals; Piatti added an assist and Dzemaili, three.
The Argentinean was named the MLS Player of the Week, on Tuesday. He is currently fourth in the MLS Golden Boot standings. The Swiss international midfielder, for his part, has solidified his spot on the MLS Team of the Week, being named in the last three best XIs.
Toronto FC at the top
The Torontonians, after a tough shootout loss in the MLS Cup last year, are currently in pole position in the league’s general standings and are favourites to win the Supporters’ Shield. Greg Vanney’s team has not lost in its last eight games, an invincible sequence that started on July 5.
“It’s exciting. We want to play the best teams in the league and they certainly have been this year,” said goalkeeper Evan Bush. “We are ready to go and we know these three games against them will determine a lot in the standings. Physically, mentally, we are in a good spot right now. It should be exciting.”
Upcoming games
The Impact will play the last of its four consecutive home games next Saturday, as the Chicago Fire visit again Stade Saputo, at 7pm (TVA Sports, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690 – TICKETS). Then, the team will travel to Boston to play against New England Revolution in what could be a season decider for the Revs, on Saturday, September 9, at 7:30pm (TVA Sports, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690).
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