EVAN BUSH: “FRIENDLY LIKE A SMALL TOWN, VIBRANT LIKE A BIG CITY”
For the man in goal for the Impact at the moment, all American towns seem to be clones of one another. So, living in Montreal is a welcome change. “I am originally from Cleveland and I have made the trip here to Montreal by car before. The minute you arrive in the city, you sense a difference; with the language being the first. In the US, you can go to any big city and everything feels the same. Small towns are simple and made up of hard-working folks. Montreal has the hustle and bustle of a big city, but moves to the rhythm of a more relaxed lifestyle and friendlier atmosphere. It has a much better public transit system than Cleveland too!”
THE (LONG) LIST OF DAVID TESTO
The longest serving American with the Impact doesn’t hide his excitement about this city. Despite his normal cool demeanour, his enthusiasm rises quickly when we ask him about Montreal and he can run off a long list of advantages to living here. “The US is more one-dimensional. Here, it’s not the case. The people, for example: you can go out one night to have a coffee and you will see so many people out. My list of things I appreciate about this city is a long one: the culture, diversity, the multi-lingual environment, the general mentality, the health care system (laughs), the pride of Montreal and the heritage that goes back generations.”
AMIR LOWERY AND THE ROOTS OF THE IMPACT
The smiling midfielder already loves the city but he is looking forward to further discovering its wonders in order to put his feelings into words. “I feel a difference, but I can’t really explain it in words. It’s a feeling. There is the fact that it feels more European than in the US, but most of all, Montreal is a vibrant city and people love to go out on the town. The Impact has roots in the city and has become part of the culture, these are things I appreciate and I will miss if I had to go play somewhere else. The city is multicultural and many people know the game of soccer.
LUKE KREAMALMEYER: “FINALLY A STADIUM FULL OF FANS!”
Enjoying living here, it’s the passion for soccer in this city that has most impressed Kreamalmeyer compared to playing in the US. “There are many differences that I appreciate, like the European-like downtown area and the culture. I’d love to learn how to speak French. However, what has marked me the most here is the fact that I am no longer playing in front of 2,000 fans, but in front of over 12,000 supporters. I would miss that the most if I had to go back and play in the US.”
MATT JORDAN THOUGHT HE WAS GOING TO LEAVE AFTER SIX MONTHS
Upon his arrival in Quebec back in 2007, if someone would have said to the former Impact goalkeeper that he would be living and working in Montreal following his retirement from the game, Jordan wouldn’t have believed you. “When I got here, I thought I would have played for one season. I always remember telling my wife that we would go to Montreal for six months, and then head back to the US. But I learned quickly that playing in Montreal was unique and special. I was very fortunate to come here at a point in my career where I had a lot to prove and during my time as a player we were able to enjoy many great moments. I really appreciated playing here. Then when the opportunity to join the technical staff presented itself, I told myself that I couldn’t pass it up. The challenge of helping build the team for the MLS excited me. I am also very pleased that my family is happy to call Montreal home.”
Matthias Van Halst, Impact Media
CFMTL Media
