MONTREAL, Quebec, - FC Montreal is set to begin its first ever season in USL against Toronto FC II, this Saturday at 12:30pm, at Olympic Stadium (live streaming: impactmontreal.com).
“Not only is it our first game, it’s also a rivalry game,” said FC Montreal’s defender Zachary Sukunda. “We are expecting a tight and intense game. We are all excited to see the fans enthusiasm for the game. There will be a nice vibe in the stadium, it’s good for us.”
“I expect a competitive game,” said FC Montreal assistant coach Simon Gatti. “They are young like us so it will be intense. For the preparation, we focused on our game. Players know the strengths of the other team, but it’s our own style that matters.”
FC Montreal ended its preseason camp with two games against NASL opposition, loosing 1-0 to the Ottawa Fury and earning a 1-1 draw with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, in Florida.
“We aren’t quite ready for the level yet, but the progress is positive,” said FC Montreal’s head coach Philippe Eullaffroy, after Ottawa’s game. “We have to get into games faster. We still need many games at this level to feel comfortable in the way we play.”
Montreal Impact defender Hassoun Camara will take part in the USL game, as he is serving a one game ban in MLS, after getting a red card in his last game against the New England Revolution.
Louis Béland-Goyette was added to the FC Montreal roster for the 2015 season. The young midfielder will have the chance for more playing time in USL.
“It will be a good chance for me to pursue my development and to get playing time,” said Béland-Goyette. “I was with the Academy over the last four years. I am 100% motivated and I hope we’ll be able to achieve good things this year.”
Toronto FC II played its first ever USL game on March 21. The team wasted a 2-0 lead, eventually falling 3-2 against the Battery in Charleston.
Forward Jordan Hamilton will be a player to watch for TFC II, as he scored against Charleston. He also represented Canada at the U17, U20 and senior levels.
Remember that a ticket for the MLS game between the Impact and Orlando is the only way to gain access to the FC Montreal game. Earlier in the day, the club’s soccer schools will host activities on the field at Olympic Stadium.
All of FC Montreal’s games will be streamed live online on the club’s website.
FC Montreal will then play its next USL game against another important club rival, the Rochester Rhinos, on Saturday, April 11, at 2:30pm, on the synthetic turf of Stade Saputo.
