Montreal Impact Tie Chivas In First Ever Preseason Outing

Impact ties CD Chivas 0-0 in its first game of training camp
GUADALAJARA, Mexico – The Montreal Impact and Chivas Guadalajara played to a 0-0 tie in the club’s first preseason game, Sunday, at Verde Valle, in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The Impact responded well to its first challenge of training camp as a dozen players from the first team of the Mexican first division club took part in the game, which was divided into three periods of 30 minutes.

“The guys put in a lot of work into the first week together and they stuck to the game,” said head coach Jesse Marsch. “They played only 30 minutes each and were able to create some good opportunities. Defensively, we did well and it’s a fair result against a good team.”

“It has been quite some time since we have played, so it did us some good to take to the field again,” said defender Hassoun Camara. “There are some small details that we must continue to work on, but it was a good start. The team is in good spirits, and we are starting with a good foundation.”

“It’s a good result and a good start,” said goalkeeper Greg Sutton, who made three saves in the second period. “We have been together for only a week and preseason is long. We will be more efficient as we move on. There are a lot of positives to build on.”

“You always look forward to the games during preseason and it was a good first experience for this group,” said midfielder Davy Arnaud, who had a scoring chance in the 53rd minute as his low shot from just inside the box was stopped. “The more games we play will be good for us and we will improve.”

“Our first game went well against a quality team,” said defender Nevio Pizzolitto, who is currently trying out with the team in Mexico. “Even if we don’t know each other very well yet, I think we did a good job. Defensively, we were strong and we created some chances offensively. Personally, my thinking is doing what I know and doing it well. I look to be good on the ball and do the little things right.”

The team will go on to face off against Mexican clubs Estudiantes Tecos, Iteso and Atlas, on the 24, 25 and 26 of January, respectively.

The Impact will kickoff its historical inaugural game in North America’s first division on March 10 against Canadian rivals the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, at 6pm ET, in Vancouver at BC Place. The club will then play its home opener at Olympic Stadium on March 17, against the Chicago Fire, at 2pm. Tickets are still available for the game online at impactmontreal.com or by calling 514-328-3668.

Lineup for first period: G-Donovan Ricketts, D-Simon Gatti, D-Nelson Rivas, D-Gienir Garcia, D-Josh Gardner, M-Sanna Nyassi, M-Felipe, M-Ian Westlake, M-Sinisa Ubiparipovic, F-Eduardo Sebrango, F-Brian Ching

Second period: G-Greg Sutton, D-Simon Gatti (Calum Mallace 45′), D-Nevio Pizzolitto, D-Francisco Mendoza, D-Tyson Wahl, M-Bryan Arguez, M-Patrice Bernier, M-Evan James, M-Davy Arnaud, F- Juan José Pena, F-Aaron Schoenfeld

Third period: G-Evan Bush, D-Calum Mallace, D-Shavar Thomas, D-Hassoun Camara, D-Daniel Arcila, M-Reda Agourram, M-Collen Warner, M-Gerson Mayen, M-Justin Mapp, F-Miguel Montano, F-Justin Braun

Caution: Nyassi 20′

Jamaican defender Shavar Thomas joins the Impact
MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact announced on Friday the signing of defender and Jamaican National Team captain Shavar Thomas. As per club and Major League Soccer (MLS) policy, details of the contract were not disclosed.

Thomas, 30, has played 170 career MLS games, including 158 as a starter, recording three goals and one assist. He has logged 13,804 minutes of play in his MLS career, and has appeared in five playoff games.

“As captain of the Jamaican National Team and a nine-year MLS veteran, we feel that Shavar will add great experience and quality to our team,” said Impact head coach Jesse Marsch.

During his career, Thomas was twice a member of Kansas City, playing a total of 76 games with the club between 2004 and 2006 and 19 games from 2010 to 2011. He most notably helped the team win the 2004 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. He also played with the LA Galaxy, Chivas USA and Philadelphia Union.

He was selected by the Dallas Burn in the first round (10th overall) in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft.

On the international scene, he has played 43 games since 1999 with the Jamaican National Team, winning back-to-back Caribbean Championships in 2008 and as captain in 2010. He also played in the 2004 Olympics and in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2009 and 2011.

He is an American Green Card holder and will not count as an international player on the 2012 roster.

Thomas will join the team in Guadalajara, in Mexico, as the Impact continues its training camp for its Major League Soccer debut.

SHAVAR THOMAS
Position: Defender
Height: 6’1
Weight: 195 lbs
Birth date: January 29, 1981, Hannah Town, Jamaica
Place of residence: Hannah Town, Jamaica
Former club: Sporting Kansas City (MLS 2011)
Acquired: January 20, 2012

The Impact unveils details of California training camp
MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact announced on Friday the details surrounding its upcoming California trip that will be held from February 6 to 18 at the Home Depot Center Sports Complex, in Carson.

Upon the team’s return from Mexico, training will head back to the Marie-Victorin Sports Complex, from February 1 to 4. The Impact will then depart for Los Angeles to play a minimum of three exhibition games against Major League Soccer teams.

The Impact will first play against the Houston Dynamo, on February 8, before facing the Portland Timbers two days later. The club will then conclude its camp on the West coast versus the LA Galaxy, on February 14.

Supporters can follow the Impact throughout the training camp online via the team’s website: impactmontreal.com, as well as the club’s social media outlets: facebook.com/impactmontreal, twitter.com/impactmontreal and youtube.com/impactmontrealFC

The team will commence its historic inaugural season in North America’s first division on Saturday, March 10, against Canadian rivals, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, at 6pm ET), at BC Place in Vancouver. The Impact then play its home opener the following the Saturday, March 17, against the Chicago Fire, at Olympic Stadium at 2pm.

Season tickets for the 2012 season are available in five categories, at costs of $250, $350, $550, $850 and $1,250. You can purchase your season tickets via the team’s website at impactmontreal.com or by calling 514.328.3668.

Training camp schedule in Los Angeles
Monday, February 6 – Departure for Los Angeles
Tuesday, February 7 – Training session
Wednesday, February 8 – vs Houston Dynamo, Home Depot Center Sports Complex
Thursday, February 9 – Training session
Friday, February 10 – vs Portland Timbers, Home Depot Center Sports Complex
Saturday, February 11 – Training session
Sunday, February 12 – Training session
Monday, February 13 – Training session
Tuesday, February 14 – vs LA Galaxy, Home Depot Center Sports Complex
Wednesday, February 15 – Training session
Thursday, February 16 – Training session
Friday, February 17 – Training session
Saturday, February 18 – Return to Montreal