Impact to face three MLS Teams

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Impact to Face MLS Teams in Preseason


MONTREAL - The Montreal Impact unveiled Wednesday the details of its three exhibition games versus Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, as part of a two-week preseason tour at the Grande Sports World Complex, located roughly 50 km south of Phoenix, from February 20 to March 4. The Impact will first take on the Portland Timbers, a club that is joining MLS in 2011, on February 23. Three days later, Montreal will play Sporting Kansas City, before wrapping up its exhibition schedule in the United States with a match versus FC Dallas, a finalist in last year's MLS Cup, on March 2, at the Reach 11 Sports Complex.

The Impact kicks off its 18th training camp in club history on February 7, at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard, in preparation for its final season in North America's second division, before joining MLS in 2012.

Upon returning from Arizona, the team will benefit from a full week of rest before resuming daily training sessions in Brossard, Monday, March 14, for the final phase of preparation.

2011 PRESEASON SCHEDULE
January 24 to 28: Invitational training camp
February 1: Start of medical and physical test
February 7: Start of on-field training
February 20: Departure from Phoenix
February 23: IMPACT VS PORTLAND
February 26: IMPACT VS KANSAS CITY
March 2: IMPACT VS DALLAS

www.nasl.com/article/impact-to-face-mls-teams-in-preseason

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Sporting KC Beats Impact


CASA GRANDE, Arizona – In its second pre-season game in Arizona against Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, the Montreal Impact was shut out 2-0 by Sporting Kansas City, Saturday afternoon, at Casa Grande’s soccer complex, in Arizona.
Kansas City opened the scoring in the 17th minute. In an effort to intercept a cross in the air from midfielder Stephane Auvray, team captain Nevio Pizzolitto deflected the ball over Impact goalkeeper Bill Gaudette.

KC doubled its lead off of a penalty shot in the 73rd minute. Forward CJ Sapong, who was fouled a few seconds prior in the 18-yard box, beat the second half goalkeeper Evan Bush, who is on a tryout with the Impact.

“We played a really good opponent, that moved the ball really well, but they won the game without really getting good scoring chances. Both goals came out of nowhere,” said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. “Defensively, we were solid, but we have to take better decisions in the third of the field.”

www.nasl.com/article/sporting-kc-beats-impact

IMPACT 0 PORTLAND 1


CASA GRANDE, Arizona – In its first exhibition match against MLS clubs in Arizona, the Montreal Impact was defeated 1-0 by the Portland Timbers, Wednesday, at the Grande Sports World Complex, in Casa Grande, near Phoenix, Arizona.

The game’s only goal was scored early on. In the 7th minute of play, forward Eddie Johnson deflected a cross from Roberto Merino with his head. Near the far post in the six-yard box, Johnson beat goalkeeper Evan Bush to the opposite side.

www.montrealimpact.com/News/News.aspx?language=EN&ArticleID=1562&Focus=0

IMPACT 3 DALLAS 0


PHOENIX, Arizona – The Montreal Impact concluded its training camp in Arizona with a 3-0 shutout victory over FC Dallas, last season’s MLS playoff runners-up, Wednesday, at Reach 11 Complex, near Phoenix.

Ali Gerba (21st minute), Luke Kreamalmeyer (53rd minute) and Idriss Ech Chergui (76th minute) scored the three goals in the club’s first win against Major Soccer League competition. Goalkeepers Bill Gaudette and Evan Bush shared the shutout.

“We got the feeling that in the first two games, we made a few mistakes that cost us the victory. We were close to getting a good result,” said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. “We deserved to return home on a good note. The team was rewarded tonight as a result of all their hard work in camp.”

www.impactmontreal.com/News/News.aspx?language=EN