Montreal unbeaten in last five games at home
MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact will bring a very busy week to an end by playing a third game in eight days, this Saturday at 7:30pm against D.C. United, at Stade Saputo (TVA Sports, 98.5, TSN 690). Excellent tickets remain available on impactmontreal.com.
“This is the most important game of our season,” said head coach Wilmer Cabrera. “We’re making sure that we do everything to be the readiest we can be this Saturday. Hopefully we can perform well and win, which is our ultimate goal. Right now, what we’re trying to manage is the team’s mentality and attitude on the field, which needs to be present throughout an entire game.”
For the very first time, the Impact will host a tailgate as of 2pm, right between the Montreal Tower and Stade Saputo. A DJ from Piknic Électronik, foodtrucks, animation and other numerous activities are on the program, and admission is free for everyone.
Stade Saputo's gates will open at 5:30pm, allowing you to take advantage of the summer. From 5:30pm to 6:30pm, 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 19 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 6pm, 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.
In the heart of the playoff race
The Impact, seventh in the Eastern Conference, the last position giving access to the MLS Cup playoffs, is in the middle of an intense playoff race, and this game against the Washington representatives comes at a turning point in the season. Wednesday’s win against Vancouver puts Montreal in good position, now only two points behind Ben Olsen’s men. There’s still everything to play for, with just eight points separating fourth from 10th in the East.
After causing an own goal and scoring the game winner on Wednesday, Maxi Urruti will take on a team against whom he’s had success, having scored four goals in five games against D.C. United. Designated Player Nacho Piatti, on his end, could potentially return on Saturday, although he remains pointless against the Black-and-Red.
“We’ve been playing better and better, and Wednesday’s victory did the group a lot of good,” said Impact forward Bojan. “On my end, I feel more comfortable after every game and more confident on the ball. Of course, our focus now is on Saturday’s game now. I don’t think it matters whether or not Rooney plays. The most important thing we can do is keep the focus on us. We’re playing at home and we need to win. It’s very important.”
Difficult times for the visitors
It hasn’t been the easiest of stretches for D.C. United. Ben Olsen’s men have lost their last three MLS games and are sliding down the standings; this road game at Stade Saputo is therefore crucial for them, but they’ll have to prepare without Wayne Rooney, suspended, and without Russell Canouse, injured. In Montreal, D.C. United has a record of two wins, four losses, and three draws.
“They’re very close to us in the standings, so hopefully this is a team that we can brush shoulders with briefly as we pass them, and that’s the last we ever hear or see of them,” said defender Daniel Lovitz. “I think that should be our mindset. It’s the most important game of the season tomorrow. I think it’s a great opportunity to take on a team that’s missing some very important pieces, so we need to be the aggressor and confident in ourselves.”
Upcoming games
The Impact will take advantage of a week break due to the international window, before hosting FC Cincinnati in Montreal for the very first time on Saturday, September 14, at 7:30pm (TICKETS – TVA Sports). The Impact will then host Toronto FC for the first leg of the Canadian Championship final on Wednesday, September 18, at 7:30pm, to try and lift the Voyageurs Cup for a 10th time (TICKETS).
