When the Montreal Impact takes to the pitch for its Champions League quarterfinal series, a number of new faces will be donning the blue jersey as the club has looked to upgrade its roster with quality and leadership.
Here are the ins and outs for IMFC so far, as training camp starts today at Olympic Stadium.
IN: GK – Erik Kronberg; D – Laurent Ciman, Bakary Soumare, Donny Toia, Victor Cabrera; M – Marco Donadel, Nigel Reo-Coker; F – Romario Wiliams
OUT: GK – Troy Perkins; D –Matteo Ferrari, Futty Danso, Heath Pearce, Gege Soriola; M – James Bissue, Zakaria Messoudi, Gorka Larrea, Issey Nakajima-Farran; F – Marco Di Vaio
Depth at midfield
The Impact shored up the middle of the pitch with some significant additions at the number 6 and 8 spots with the likes of Nigel Reo-Coker and Marco Donadel.
Coker spent eight seasons in the English Premier League before jumping the pond to play in MLS. The tough tackling Englishman is known to be an astute passer and a good leader, having captained all four EPL teams he's played for.
Donadel has played his entire career in Italy’s top flight, over 250 games in Serie A, mostly with Fiorentina where he got to show off his distribution skills and leadership qualities, wearing the captain’s armband for the Viola. He also captained the U21 Italian national team.
Younger at the back line
IMFC gained in youth, speed and international experience with its new signings at the back. The team’s most significant acquisition was Belgian international and 2014 World Cup roster member Laurent Ciman.
The Impact also added Chicago Fire centre back Bakary Soumare, former Chivas USA left back Donny Toia, as well as River Plate youth player Victor Cabrera.
Emergence in goal
With Evan Bush getting a number of the starts in goal for IMFC towards the end of last season, the club decided to give him a shot as the main guy. To add some competition and depth, the Impact acquired Eric Kronberg from Sporting Kansas City via the Re-Entry Draft.
Jack Mac on top
The forward position is not in bad shape as well with striker Jack McInerney.
Jack Mac, 22, has already played over 120 games in MLS over his young career and has scored 32 goals - seven in 2014.
The club also acquired young prospect Romario Williams with its third overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft, on January 15.
