Aug 06 Impact's Review of International Series Positive

The Montreal Impact have gone over their post mortem as their latest series of international friendlies, six in all, came to an end and if they do say so themselves, the venture was a success. They wouldn't, however be alone in that sentiment.

With games featuring the Syrian and Haitian national teams, as well as the French Champions Trophy featuring Guingamp and Bordeaux and the most recent tilt with the renowned Argentinean River Plate, the Impact brought high calibre soccer to Montreal and in turn, showed the rest of the world that Montreal is, in fact a growing hotbed for for the sport.

It is the execution and success of these types of events as well as the way more and more fans are being drawn to the sport of soccer in Montreal that make people like the MLS's Don Garber stand up and take notice.

Read on for the complete Impact press release.

MONTREAL – Less than 48 hours after the match against Argentinean club AC River Plate, the Montreal Impact gave a positive review of its series of six international matches presented this summer in Montreal. “I think that following this first experience, we can say mission accomplished,” declared Montreal Impact and Saputo Stadium President Joey Saputo. “Being aware of the growing interest coming from our fans for international soccer, we responded to this demand by presenting top level matches. These games allowed us to present a high calibre of play, while promoting Quebec soccer within the various cultural communities in the province. We definitely put on a good show.”

A total of 75,497 spectators attended these international matches. July 25, at Olympic Stadium, a new record was shattered when 34,068 spectators came to watch the Champions Trophy, which FC Girondins de Bordeaux won 2-0 against En Avant de Guingamp. Moreover, close to 12,000 spectators attended each match the Impact played against Bordeaux and River Plate.

“Not only were they a popular success, but this series of games were beneficial in many ways for the city of Montreal, notably at the economic level, considering the numerous travelers who came from abroad,” noted Richard Legendre, Executive Vice President of the Montreal Impact and Saputo Stadium. “The visibility and international media coverage generated by these games was very important. Montreal once again proved that it is an excellent soccer city.”

The Montreal Impact, which took part in four of the six international matches, can be proud of its record. July 1, the Montreal club tied 0-0 against the Haitian National Team (115th according to the world FIFA ranking). The Impact then won 2-1, July 8, against the Syrian National Team (95th FIFA).

The Impact then offered an impressive performance against Bordeaux, July 28, standing up to the French Champions in a close match that Montreal lost 2-1, while Tuesday evening, the Impact tied 1-1, after the regular 90 minutes, against the A team of the prestigious Argentinean club AC River Plate (ranked 9th in the all-time IFFHS world club ranking).

“Even though our objective was not to evaluate our team’s international calibre, we proved that the Impact is a club that can do well in international matches,” added Saputo.

“Our international games were very positive from a competitive stance and for the group’s confidence level,” noted Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. “The teams we matched up against pushed us to our maximum and came to get the best out of our players. Even though the caliber of these clubs was superior, we obtained positive results.”

“Following our successes, we consider repeating this initiative in the years to come,” added Saputo. “We will once again analyze our options and potential clubs, in order to continue offering high quality international matches. We are aware however that it will be more difficult in 2010 since it will be a world cup year.”

pic by photos pépé.

Tags: Bordeaux \ games \ Guingamp \ international soccer \ Joey Saputo \ MLS \ Montreal Impact \ River Plate \ USL