With a new year, come new faces, new challenges and new opportunities. The same goes for a new season in professional sports. And if you don’t come out to Stade Saputo, you just may miss out on some them.
1. Fresh superstars
Nesta and Di Vaio joined the Impact after a grueling year in Serie A. The two are coming into this year with a full offseason to recharge and prepare for their first full MLS campaign.
2. Andrea Pisanu
The Italian journeyman, joining the Impact on loan from Bologna, should add some spark to the Impact’s offense. Having played with Di Vaio in 2010, the two will look to click right out of the gate.
3. A European Style
New head coach Marco Schällibaum is bringing nearly 10 years of Swiss Super League experience to Montreal. Schällibaum should bring a new wrinkle to the North American game.
4. Spring games at Stade Saputo
Stade Saputo was a fortress for the Impact last year, seeing only three home losses. This season, opposing teams will have to deal with Stade Saputo in the spring, where the Montreal weather will add another challenge.
5. A wilder stadium
The supporter section at Stade Saputo - beating heart of the stadium - is getting bigger. Doubling in size, the section will make Stade Saputo an even more daunting test for opposing teams.
6. The best view in the league
Think the coach has the best view of the game? This season, the Impact is adding seats on the pitch, a first in MLS. Just a few feet from the touch line, supporters will literally be within arm’s reach of the players.
7. New visitors
Some teams will be making their first visit to Montreal this year. Among them, Real Salt Lake, Chivas USA, FC Dallas and an all Canadian matchup against Vancouver.
8. A healthy back line
When Nelson Rivas, Alessandro Nesta, Matteo Ferrari, and Hassoun Camara were all healthy, they led the team on a run that almost landed them in the playoffs. This year, all hands should be on deck for the start of season.
9. 20th anniversary celebrations
The Impact plans on honouring its past throughout its 20th anniversary season. A look back at the clubs greatest successes and personalities will add a little nostalgia to Stade Saputo.
10. A third jersey
As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, the Impact will play a few games with a brand new third jersey.
