During this occasion, the team announced that it had signed two more players, Brazilian forward Severino Jefferson and French defender Cédric Joqueviel for the 2008 season, pending the league’s approval.
“Severino and Cédric have shown great qualities during the training camp,” said Impact head coach Nick De Santis. “Severino showed strong scoring abilities. He can shoot from both feet and he’s able to beat the opponent’s defense. Cédric is a defender who has excellent visibility of the game and demonstrates great potential. Both players will now have to gain experience in our league.”
Jefferson, a 22-year-old Brazilian, played his minor soccer in Brazil. In 2006 and 2007, he played in Greek First Division (Cyprus). He was signed by the Impact following a tryout in Portugal, where he scored the game-winning goal in a 1-0 win against second division club FC Vizela, February 27.
Joqueviel, a 25-year-old defender, is the second player to be promoted from the Impact reserve team, the Trois-Rivières Attak, after defender Alex Surprenant. In 2007, he was named Most Valuable Player of the Year by the club. He was also nominated for Best Defender in the Canadian Soccer League.
Besides, Jefferson and Joqueviel, five other players joined the Impact during the off-season: defenders Adam Braz (Toronto FC, MLS) and Stefano Pesoli (FC Rieti, Italy C2), midfielders Cristian Nuñez (Toronto FC, MLS) and Pato Aguilera (no club), as well as forward Dwight Barnett (Cape Cod Crusaders, PDL).
The organization also announced that Brazilian forward Frederico Moojen has been released. In his single season with the Impact, he tallied two goals and one assist, in 14 games and 773 minutes of play. Suffering from a light abdominal injury since mid-season, he underwent surgery August 20, putting an end to his season.
The Impact will kick off its 2008 season, this Saturday, April 12, against the Whitecaps, at Swangard Stadium, in Vancouver (USLlive.com). The Impact will play its historic first home game at the brand new Saputo Stadium, Monday, May 19, against their Canadian rivals.
Season tickets are still available by calling 514-328-3668 or at www.impactmontreal.com.
PHOTOS PÉPÉ
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Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668 (ext. 227)
