Playing in the CONCACAF Champions League is a difficult, yet exciting task. Just ask director of soccer operations Matt Jordan.
The former Impact goalkeeper knows firsthand, having been the starter for the Impact during its 2008-2009 CCL run. He outlines a couple of important challenges the team will face as it travels to Guatemala to take on CD Heredia on Wednesday night.
"We have worked to gather as much
information as possible"
- Matt Jordan
“The CONCACAF Champions League is an important competition for our club as it really helped us establish ourselves in 2008-2009 within this region and internationally before joining Major League Soccer,” said Jordan. “This competition provides such an exciting opportunity to experience different styles of play, different countries and new atmospheres. It’s an exciting challenge. I know our supporters feel the same way.”
Following its first Canadian title in 2008 - in which Jordan was named tournament MVP - the Impact was placed in a qualifying group with Mexican side Atlante, Honduran champs CD Olimpia and Trinidad and Tobago’s Joe Public. Travel was strenuous and grueling.
Although the team will be spending a little less time on a plane this time around, flying to Guatemala and then to San Jose to take on the Earthquakes on September 17, the travel and time difference will test the players resolve. The Impact hosts D.C. United this Saturday and then welcomes the Houston Dynamo next Saturday, sandwiching the CCL matchup that will require 12 hours of plane rides and a two hour time difference.
“From my experience the biggest challenge in 2008 was finding the right balance between the amount of games in a short period of time in league play, and CCL matches, as both competitions are important,” explained Jordan.
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“I’ll always remember when we traveled from a playoff game in Vancouver to Trinidad and Tobago to play a CCL game a few days later. The travel was very demanding both mentally and physically. We played that game on adrenaline and were able to get the result we were looking for. For the competition this year, the club has made a big commitment with regards to top level travel (charter flight) and we are all very appreciative.”
Playing the two MLS games over the eight day stretch at home is a positive as the midweek game will provide distinct playing conditions.
“The conditions and stadium we’re playing in will be unique. However, this is the same venue that has hosted high level teams such as Seattle, Monterrey, Chivas and Toluca.”
For Jordan, the best way to deal with all of it is to be as prepared as possible.
“As a staff we’ve gathered quite a bit of information on Heredia. We’ve watched a few of their games and have worked to gather as much information as possible. We have an experienced group of veteran players and coming players that are hungry to get an opportunity. I am confident we’ll be ready to go.”
