Montreal still in the playoff race
MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact will play its penultimate game of the MLS regular season this Sunday at 5pm when it hosts Atlanta United at Stade Saputo (TVA Sports, TSN, 98.5, TSN 690). Excellent tickets remain available on impactmontreal.com.
“As long as there’s the smallest chance of us qualifying to the playoffs, we have to keep going,” said Impact head coach Wilmer Cabrera. “We cannot give up or surrender. Nothing is impossible, especially in this sport, which is why you can never take anything for granted. No matter which team is in front of us Sunday, we have to prepare ourselves with the mentality that it’s possible for us to win.”
The Impact will host a tailgate as of 1pm, right between the Montreal Tower and Stade Saputo. A DJ, foodtrucks, animation and other numerous activities are on the program, and admission is free for everyone. Supporters will also get the chance to take a picture of themselves with the Voyageurs Cup, won in Toronto last Wednesday.
Stade Saputo's gates will open at 3pm, allowing you to take advantage of the summer. From 3 to 4pm, the 2-for-1 special on all drinks will be in place, and animations, numerous activities, and photobooths will be available beneath the stands. Video game enthusiasts can try their luck against LyesMTL, the Impact's eSports player in the BMO Celebration Zone, on FIFA 20 on PS4. Finally, a new pregame ritual, during which supporters will be able to welcome players in the stadium's North stand, will take place as of 3:30pm, 90 minutes before kickoff. Please note as well that our new IMFC grilled cheeses made by chef Danny Smiles will henceforth be on the concessions' menu at Stade Saputo, starting as low as $2.83 (plus tax).
The MLS bag policy will be in place for this game. Backpacks, camera bags, and big tote bags, as well as any bag larger than 35cm x 35cm x 15cm will not be accepted inside the stadium.
Also, please note that more traffic than usual is to be expected in the Sherbrooke/Pie-IX/Pierre-de-Coubertin/Viau area, as well as to access the different parking lots around Stade Saputo due to roadwork.
The Viau metro station is undergoing an important renovation project. Construction on the new bus rapid transit corridor (BRT) on Pie-IX Boulevard has begun, and as such, traffic on Pie-IX between the A40 and Pierre-de-Coubertin Street will be impeded, while bus routes may be diverted. The P1, P2, P3, P4 parking lots are available. The P5 parking lot is reserved for Members with a parking pass.
Playoff hopes still alive
The Impact remains in the MLS Cup playoff picture mathematically, five points behind the New England Revolution with as many games left to play. There’s no room for error though: Montreal must win its last two games, while hoping the Revs’ results are favourable as well.
It’ll be a fifth game in 16 days for Wilmer Cabrera’s men, who won the Canadian Championship, Wednesday night in Toronto. Against Atlanta, the Impact has just one win in four games. That being said, this win did come at Stade Saputo, in 2017. Nacho Piatti, in four games against the Georgians, has two goals.
“We’re keeping hope and we’re already thinking about Sunday,” said Impact centre-back Rudy Camacho. “It’ll be important to win this game in front of our supporters and keep our momentum alive. We succeeded in winning this trophy and things are positive at the moment, and we need that to push us this Sunday.”
Busy stretch for Atlanta
Frank de Boer's men haven’t had much rest, as they’ll also play a fifth game in 16 days. They fell in their last game 4-1, Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium against New York City FC, who is almost certain of finishing atop the East standings. For the Five Stripes, Designated Player Josef Martinez has been decisive and lethal: his 26 goals place him third in MLS. He’ll miss the visit on Quebec soil Sunday, however, out injured. Eric Remedi, on his end, will be suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
“It’s not impossible, because we still have a chance,” said Impact forward Bojan. “That means it’s possible. But the reality is what it is. We know it’s tough. There are six points up for grabs and we’re five points away. We’re thinking about winning Sunday, and we’ll see what happens after.”
Upcoming game
The Montreal Impact will bring the 2019 MLS regular season to an end on Sunday, October 6, on Decision Day, when it takes on the New York Red Bulls at Stade Saputo (TICKETS – TVA Sports, TSN, 98,5, TSN 690).
