aussoccerfan Posted April 7, 2005 Share Posted April 7, 2005 There was an article about him in today's Halifax Daily News. http://www.hfxnews.com/news.aspx?pname=Sports Thursday, April 7, 2005 Mert ready to make an Impact By Chris Kallan Mesut Mert is out to make an Impact. The Halifax native, who starred for the A-League’s Calgary Mustangs last year, recently signed a one-year deal with the Montreal Impact. The A-League is now known as the United Soccer League First Division. Montreal is the defending champion. “This is a top-notch organization from top to bottom, so this is going to be an even bigger challenge for me this year,” the 26-year-old former Saint Mary’s star said following a training session yesterday afternoon at the Çatalogna Soccerplexe in Lachine, Que. “Everyone is very, very good. I can’t tell you how excited and thrilled I am to be here.” Mert, a five-foot-five, 160-pound midfielder, played 25 games and logged 2,202 minutes for the Mustangs a year ago. His five goals was good enough for second best on the club. Mert’s combined skill and popularity earned him the fans choice for Mustangs player of the year. More importantly, he caught the eye of Impact head coach Nick DeSantis. “I went to get him because he had such a great season last year and I think he can do some great things for us,” said DeSantis, who hopes to use Mert in one of three central midfield spots. “It’s not good enough for me to sign guys and then say ‘there’s the bench.’ We have a number of back-to-back and three-games-in-five-days scenarios, so I want to feel comfortable throwing him into starting situations. “But I did my homework with him, so I know he brings a great attitude and great discipline. He has everything it takes to be a pro.” Calgary and Edmonton — which had former Halifax King of Donair, Saint Mary’s and Dalhousie standout Chris Devlin on its roster — were two of three teams to fold after last year. Low fan turnout was cited as the primary cause. But getting bums in seats shouldn’t be a problem in Montreal. The Impact averaged 9,279 spectators at the 8,500-seat Claude Robillard Sports Complex and drew a record 13,648 for the league final last September. Several thousand temporary seats that were added are now permanent for all home games. The departure of the baseball Expos from the city and ongoing lockout of the hockey Canadiens means the Impact just have the football Alouettes to contend with for Montrealers looking for their local professional sports fix. “The spotlight will be on us a little more than usual, which is great for the sport,” said Mert. “It seems everyone is behind this team.” The Impact begins defence of its title with a doubleheader versus the Puerto Rico Islanders on April 29 and May 1. Montreal’s home opener against Rochester is May 29. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
footyfanatic01 Posted April 9, 2005 Share Posted April 9, 2005 He played for the Calgary Mustangs...wasn't nearly as good as he was hyped up to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted April 9, 2005 Share Posted April 9, 2005 Obviously, you didn't watch him very closely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Soccrman Posted April 9, 2005 Share Posted April 9, 2005 quote:Originally posted by Cooks Obviously, you didn't watch him very closely. I did, and I thought he was overrated also. Soccrman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Soccrman Posted April 9, 2005 Share Posted April 9, 2005 quote:Originally posted by Cooks Obviously, you didn't watch him very closely. I did, and I thought he was overrated also. Soccrman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snake Posted April 10, 2005 Share Posted April 10, 2005 decent player .should be good for 5-8 goals this season Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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