This Saturday, at 3pm, FC Montreal will play its second-ever game at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex.
But the opponent for this game will be on familiar ground, as the Rochester Rhinos, a historical rival of the club, will be back at this stadium for the first time since the Montreal Impact joined MLS.
In 11 years, the Rochester Rhinos won only once at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex, losing 15 times against the Montreal Impact and tying twice. FC Montreal’s assistant coach, Simon Gatti, played some of these rivalry home games back in his Bleu-blanc-noir playing days.
“You knew the atmosphere would be different because it was a rival and it meant even more to the players and the fans,” said Gatti. “You always wanted to give more in that type of game, and we had good crowds against Rochester.”
Circumstances were a little different back then, as the Rhinos were facing the club’s first team. FC Montreal is still looking for its first win against Rochester.
But even today, this rivalry between both clubs survives and continues to live on the field and in the stands. In FC Montreal’s inaugural season in the USL, around 10 faithful supporters, several of which are Ultras Montreal members, made the trip to Rochester to support the team at Sahlen’s Stadium – having also supported the team regularly at home.
“Even for the younger players today, when you play against a good team like the Rhinos, you want to give more,” added Gatti.
After finishing first in the regular season and in the USL playoffs in 2015, Rochester had a difficult period when its future was in doubt. But new owners, David and Wendy Dworkin, took charge of the team for the 2016 season.
The Rhinos are currently in sixth position in the Eastern Conference with a 4-2-3 record.
Saturday, fans can enter the stadium on the Southwest side of the field starting at 2pm. Tickets cost $5, with $1 going to the Montreal Impact Foundation. Admission is free for season ticket holders on presentation of their membership card.
