Two More Seasons For Braz, Placentino

MONTREAL – Defender Adam Braz and midfielder Rocco Placentino will be back with the Montreal Impact for the next two seasons.

Adam Braz, a 28-year-old defender from Montreal, has played six seasons with the Impact, for a total of 123 games, 107 as starter, and 9,622 minutes of play, most of the time as right back. In 2009, Braz received the Unsung Hero Award after playing 22 games, including 18 starts, for a total of 1,690 minutes. After missing one month due to a thigh injury, he came back strong in July to help the team qualify for the playoffs and win the third championship in club history. In the playoffs, he played the full 90 minutes of all games he played.

“I’m very excited to be back with the Impact for the next two years,” said Braz. “The 2009 season was unbelievable. Our path to the championship was amazing and we will try to repeat it in 2010. I also want to help my teammates to win again the Canadian championship and reach the CONCACAF Champions League.”

Rocco Placentino, a 27 year-old Quebec midfielder, has played four seasons with the Impact (2001, 2002, 2008, 2009). In 71 games, 25 as starter, he tallied five goals and 11 assists for 21 points in 2,937 minutes of play. Last season he ended the campaign as the best playmaker on the team with five assists. He also scored two goals for a total of nine points in 27 matches (14 starts) and 1,319 minutes.

“I’m from Montreal so it’s really special to play here,” underlined Placentino. “I’m happy to have the chance to wear the Impact jersey for the next two seasons. I thank the organization for letting me play with a club that is growing each year. I hope to play in Montreal until my body gives up.”

“We are really happy to have concluded new deals with those two local players,” said Impact technical director Nick De Santis. “Adam is one of the most experienced players on the team. We always say that defense wins championships and Adam was an important element of our defensive line in the playoffs. He is a player that fits perfectly with our team concept.”

“Rocco is also an important player to our team,” added De Santis. “He plays a key role in the lineup by bringing offensive punch and quality on the field. The next two years will be decisive for him because he will be at his peak as a professional athlete.”