MONTREAL – Olympic Stadium has been the stage for a couple of big games for the Montreal Impact over that last few weeks and this Saturday proves to be no different as the club is set to host its home opener at Olympic Stadium against Orlando City SC (1-1-1) and international soccer icon Kaka at 4pm (RDS, TSN, TSN 690 Radio).
Tickets for this match are available via ticketmaster.ca (1-855-790-1245), and at the ticket offices of Stade Saputo and Olympic Stadium. A family package of four tickets (purple category) is also available at a cost of $60.
Since there are only 3,500 parking spots at Olympic Stadium, it is highly recommended that you use the metro (access via the Pie-IX station). For more information on how to get to Olympic Stadium: http://parcolympique.qc.ca/en/how-to-get-here/. The Impact also invites fans to arrive early to avoid traffic around Olympic Park and the queues to buy or pick up tickets, as well as at the entrance because of security procedures.
As it’s been the case for both Champions League games, the 12th player will be key to victory.
“We all hope that the stadium will be as loud if not louder than we’ve seen so far,” said Wandrille Lefèvre. “It’s our home opener against a team with a lot of talent and a star in Kaka. Orlando is a team that plays really well. They have a lot of talent in the midfield and a will to play well. Preventive coverage will be key. We have to be ready to be proactive and not reactive.”
“Even though they are an expansion side, they have had a good start to the season, including a win on the road in Houston,” explained assistant coach Mauro Biello. “When a team has a player like Kaka, you have to be aware of where he is at times, but also be ready to implement our game plan.”
In two MLS games played thus far this season, both on the road, IMFC has allowed just one goal against.
Goalkeeper Evan Bush has not allowed a goal in his last 180 minutes of play, recording consecutive shutouts against L.D. Alajuelense in the Champions League and New England in MLS regular season play. He is currently tied for fourth in MLS with a GAA at 0.50.
The Impact will be without forward Cameron Porter, who will undergo season-ending surgery on his knee next week, as well as defender Hassoun Camara, who is suspended following his ejection from last weekend’s game in New England following two yellow cards.
In addition, defender Laurant Ciman (Belgium) and midfielder Maxim Tissot (Canada) will not be available after being selected by their respective national teams. Belgium will face Cyprus at King Beaudoin Stadium, in Brussels, Saturday, before meeting Israel at Teddy Stadium three days later in EURO qualifiers, while Canada will play two friendlies versus Guatemala and Puerto Rico Friday in Florida and Monday in Puerto Rico.
Orlando City will be without seven players due to international duty including four starters from the team’s last two games: Brek Shea (USA), Kevin Molino (T&T), Rafael Ramos (Portugal U20) and Darwin Ceren (El Salvador). Further complicated by a few nagging injuries, the Lions could be challenged to dress a full 18-man roster for Saturday’s trip to Montreal.
However, the team can most definitely count on the likes of Kaka. The Brazilian superstar has won a World Cup, a UEFA Champions League title with AC Milan, the FIFA Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year on two occasions.
“Kaka is a legend in the game,” said Impact midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. “He’s a midfielder that I tried to model my game after with his driving runs. He is a world class player, but this is the MLS. It will be different than what he’s used to and it should be a very competitive game.”
OCSC goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts played 24 games with the Impact in 2012.
Impact supporters are in for a treat as prior to the MLS game, FC Montreal will make its debut in USL against Toronto FC II, at 12:30pm at Olympic Stadium with access only to those with Impact tickets.
The Impact will then head to Costa Rica on April 4 to prepare for the decisive leg of the Champions League semifinal series against Alajuelense, on Tuesday, April 7 at 10pm (TVA Sports, Sportsnet, TSN 690), at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto.
