Mar 17 Making an Impact

Montreal Impact held an open practice this morning for the media. The Franchise's own Gary Whittaker was on hand to watch all the drills the players were being made to run. Patrick Vallée, Media Relations for the Montreal Impact, was also on hand to provide us some insight into some interesting facts and goals of the Impact this year.

First off, the Impact will start playing in their new stadium this season. The Saputo stadium will have 13 thousand seats, and has the ability to add 5 thousand more. This is a big increase over the 10 thousand limit that they had in their previous venue. However, the Impact will still stay very active in the community and in Quebec, starting with a pre-season game with the Attak, and having various games in and around Quebec.

There is also big plans in the works for a tournament involvement Canada's 3 professional soccer teams, which would include Toronto and Vancouver. Tournament details are still being finalized, as well as the schedule, but the winner would go on to face the winners of some of the other professional soccer leagues around the world. And speaking of Toronto and Vancouver, Montreal is continuing it's conversations with MLS to be included into North America's top soccer league as early as 2009 if at all possible.

For now though, the Impact will be off to Florida with a roster that is expected to be announced shortly, as final cuts were being made today before the trip. At least 1 player will make the team, but not the trip to Florida due to injury (details to be forthcoming). The Impact are expected  to play 3 games while they are there, before starting their season on the road.

The Franchise on CJLO Montreal will be covering the Montreal Impact every week on the show once the regular season begins, with game by game reports, player interviews, and perhaps even a promotional giveaway or two. More to come, so stay tuned!

Tags: Montreal Impact