Montreal Impact – Toronto FC
Wednesday, June 4, 2014 – 7:30pm (EDT)
Stade Saputo
TV: Sportsnet ONE, TVA Sports
Mobile: illico mobile, Impact mobile app
Twitter: @impactmontreal
MONTREAL – Last year’s Amway Canadian Champions are not only in a position to repeat that exploit Wednesday night at Stade Saputo against Toronto FC (7:30pm EDT), but the Montreal Impact may be able to win a title at home in front of its supporters for the first time since its 2009 USL playoff championship.
“This is the final,” exclaimed Patrice Bernier. “We are at home, coming off a good performance against New England last weekend in what might have been our best game of the year. Now we are playing TFC and in this tournament, there’s one game left, no tomorrow. The chance to win the cup in front of our supporters makes it even more important.”
With a 1-1 draw from the first leg last Wednesday at BMO Field in Toronto, the Impact are in the driver’s seat with an away goal, but it’s up to the bleu-blanc-noir to take advantage of playing at home.
“It’s up to us to seize this type of opportunity at home,” said head coach Frank Klopas. “Everyone should be excited about that. Toronto is very good team with quality players. But, with some good results, our confidence is rising and I think that we can be pretty optimistic about the future. And right now our focus is on winning the cup Wednesday.”
WATCH: Klopas | Bush | Bernier
TFC will be coming to town with the 6-0 loss at Stade Saputo in last season’s ACC matchup on the back of their mind, and with a revamped roster with the likes of English striker Jermain Defoe and Brazilian Gilberto up top, they are also a much more dangerous team.
“They are a very different team than in the past,” added Klopas. “A guy like Defoe, you have to limit his opportunities because you give him two chances, and one is in the net. We have to be good with the ball, defend well as a group and put away the chances we get.”
GAME NOTES:
- Next game: The Impact hosts D.C. United on Wednesday, June 11, at 7:30pm ET at Stade Saputo.
- Impact wins ACC with a win or a 0-0 tie. Overtime required if there is a 1-1 tie. A tie greater than 1-1 will give TFC the title on away goals.
- Since joining MLS, the Impact has not given up a goal at home vs MLS opponents in three ACC games.
- The Impact has a record of 1-2-2 (7GF, 5GA) in five ACC games versus Toronto since joining MLS
- Forward Jack McInerney is one goal shy of tying the all-time tournament lead of four goals scored in the tournament.
- The winner of the Canadian Championship will face the New York Red Bulls and CD Fas (El Salvador) in the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League.
