Defender Nevio Pizzolitto was recognized Defensive Player of the Year, defender Stefano Pesoli received the Newcomer of the Year Award, whereas midfielder-forward Joey Gjertsen was the recipient of the Unsung Hero Award.
MATT JORDAN: MOST VALUABLE PLAYER (GIUSEPPE-SAPUTO TROPHY)
• In his second season with the Impact, this 33-year-old American goalie finished the season first in the USL First Division standings with an average of 0.760.
• Recorded 10 victories and nine shutouts in 25 regular season games.
• Was the most active Impact player during the season with 2,250 minutes of play.
• Received the Most Valuable Player honour during the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, after conceding only two goals in four games.
• In seven games played during the CONCACAF Champions League, he only conceded three goals and recorded four shutouts.
• Was finalist for the Goalkeeper of the Year title in the league.
• Was named to the second all-star team of the USL D1.
• Head coach John Limniatis: “Matt has consistently played at a high level throughout the year. He is a true professional and is always well prepared. When the goalkeeper plays well, he gives you a chance at winning. Matt has helped us win key games in 2008.
NEVIO PIZZOLITTO: DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• In his 15th season in the league, his 14th in Montreal, this 32-year-old Quebec defender made a strong comeback after only playing four games last year due to injuries.
• Missed a number of games due to a shoulder injury, but finally finished the season with 1,253 minutes of play in 18 games.
• Has been a mainstay of the Montreal defense, helping the Impact finish the season with the second best defense in the league, with 28 goals in 30 games.
• Was named to the first all-star league team for the first time in his career.
• Has taken part in the seven games played until now in the CONCACAF Champions League.
• Head coach John Limniatis: “Nevio has made an impressive comeback following his series of injuries. Since my arrival at the helm of the team, he has constantly done well defensively, in addition to being a great leader. His physical presence in front of the goal has caused problems to the opponent all year long.”
STEFANO PESOLI: NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
• During his first season in North America, this 24-year-old Italian defender started the 23 games in which he took part in 2008.
• Took over the position of central defender Gabriel Gervais, who missed almost the entire season due to injuries.
• Was the best pointer among Impact defenders with two goals and four points in regular season.
• Also scored a goal leading to a 2-0 win against Joe Public, September 17, at Saputo Stadium in the first group phase game of the CONCACAF Champions League.
• Played 2,013 minutes in regular season and 630 minutes until now in the CONCACAF Champions League.
• Head coach John Limniatis: “He played very well defensively throughout the season. He has always been willing to fight for the team and to give everything at every match. He rapidly understood how important it was for the team to succeed. Despite minimal knowledge of English, he managed to adapt to the team, to his teammates, as well as to the style of play in the league.”
JOEY GJERTSEN: UNSUNG HERO
• During his first full season, this 26-year-old American played 27 of the 30 regular season games (1,838 minutes) as both midfielder and forward.
• Ended the season in first place among Impact’s playmakers with five assists.
• Scored a goal in regular season (May 2, in Puerto Rico), a goal during the second game of the Canadian Championship against Vancouver, June 17, at Saputo Stadium, and a winning goal during the CONCACAF Champions League qualifier against Real Estelí FC (Nicaragua).
• Played all seven games until now in the CONCACAF Champions League (578 minutes).
• Head coach John Limniatis: “Without pretence, Joey succeeded once again this year to show his great technical and offensive qualities. He managed to help the team offensively during key moments. When he plays to his full potential, the team always has a better chance of winning.”
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668, Ext. 227
