May 18 Impact Home Opener Has it All. Win Would be Cherry on TOP

Notwithstanding the weather, I had to stop and take in the impressive view from the press-box at Saputo Stadium. You have to credit the Saputo organization as they have built one of the most impressive soccer stadiums that I have seen in a while. While anxiously awaiting the starting whistle with one and a half hours to go, I was able to take in the amazing view of the field, plentiful seats adorned with  a huge Impact logo and jumbo screen at the eastern end of the stadium and everything about this environment says “Major League. Speaking of major league of noted folks of distinction that were also in attendance for tonight’s game.

Speaking of Major league, in attendance for this historical inaugural game between the Impact and the Vancouver Whitecaps were none other than Montreal Canadiens' Alex Kovalev, who is friends with Impact forward Charles Gbeke and Phoenix Suns All-star guard Steve Nash ( who is the Caps' Martin Nash's brother) I could not help but notice all the media attention and well known media that were also in attendance. Yes, folks, if you weren't paying attention before, your Montreal Impact has gone main-stream.

Now with 1 hour till game time, Gregory Charles takes the stage as the Montreal faithful start to slowly filter in, seemingly undeterred by the , sometimes heavy, rainfall. They are here for their Montreal Impact and are hoping the feeling they have for their team is mutual. The Impact comes home for the first time after a 6 game road trio that saw them amass 6 points going 2-4 during that stint.

While it's not panic time yet, as there are still 24 games to go, it is to note that the last time the Impact got off to such a slow start was in 2001 where the Impact went 10-4-2 after which they saw then coach Valerio Gazzola replaced by Nick De Santis.

The Impact are hoping the stats are on their side today as they have a record of 10-1-3 in home openers since 1993 and have outscored their opponents 23-6 during that span. The Impact is also 20-8-4 against their western Canadian rivals who they will also meet this June for 2 qualifying games of the CONCACAF Champions League.

The crowd expected for this home opener is a sold out 13,034 with season ticket sales in the upper 5000 mark. If any of these spectators, old or new are like me today, the Impact has already gotten off on the right foot and have found a new fan. They need only play with the passion that we strive for as Montreal fans and bring us an exciting, energetic effort and they'll keep us for life.

Game notes to follow after the match. For now, I have a soccer game to enjoy. 

Tags: home opener \ Montreal Impact \ soccer \ USL \ Vancouver Whitecaps