Grand news and desperate times in Ol' Montreal.
The worst kept secret in North American soccer was finally, thankfully, let out of the proverbial bag late last week as Major League Soccer and the Montreal Impact announced to the whole world that they are indeed an item. The Saputo family will purchase a franchise and play their football in MLS beginning the 2012 season.
So that clinches it. Yes, the sky is blue. Yes, water is wet. And yes, Montreal will be playing in MLS. All is as it should be in the universe.
And it's this fresh but predictably un-surprising news which leads the Montreal Impact into this Wednesday's Voyageur's Cup Match #3 at Saputo Stadium for a must win contest against future MLS rivals, Toronto Football Club.
Speaking of things being as they should be in the universe if there is anything we've learned over the last four years, it is that one of the few things that is more reliable than gravity is the annual spring ritual of Trader Mo Johnson's TFC going through a complete re-fit. That's right, in a city where Leafs fans view the Stanley Cup as just another urban myth like alligators in the sewers or free parking downtown the young MLS franchise is once again trying to win the Canadian Championship and make the MLS playoffs with the strong dosage of turning over players.
New faces on and off the pitch have produced predictably unpredictable performances by the men in red so far this term. Mix the Jekyll & Hyde displays by TFC to a host Montreal team which will have it's player ranks thinned out by suspensions and a locker room which must be a-buzz with the MLS announcement and there really is no telling what sort of football we're in for Wednesday night. With the recent results between these two teams the safer money has to be with Toronto but a Montreal team in a desperate position, playing at home for their Cup lives right after one of the most important announcements in the clubs history can't be easily dismissed. Impact coach, Marc Dos Santos proved in last season's incredible USL playoff run that this is a Montreal side which can more than meet the challenge when put under adversary.
Both sides showed well in recent wins, it looks like this Wednesday night it may all be down to who can find their best form first.
Nutrilite Canadian Championship
Montreal Impact vs Toronto Football Clubs
Wednesday, May 12th
Stade Saputo, Montreal PQ
8:00 EST
Roger's SportsNet East & West