The Montreal Impact had a disappointing end to the 2008 season losing to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Semi-Finals of the USL-1 playoffs, but a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League has made up for that. It has also provided the Impact with the opportunity to be fit and in form earlier than normal, having played CONCACAF Champions League games early in 2009. The addition of Eduardo Sebrango from the Whitecaps, the league’s 3rd ranked goal-scorer in 2008, will surely help Montreal make an impact in 2009. “He’s a great teammate,” says Montreal’s Joey Gjertsen. “I think everyone can expect big things from Sebrango.” The Impact has a lot of positives this season with a very strong defense and potent offense, something that isn’t lost on Gjertsen: “We have a solid defense and have been scoring in bunches in pre-season, so things look good.”Montreal’s biggest concern may in fact be burn-out. Pre-season training in Italy, followed by CONCACAF Champions League play prior to the start of the season, could weigh heavily on the squad as the season progresses. Despite the potential fatigue factor, the Montreal Impact will compete for the USL-1 regular season title with a long playoff run in their future. If the Impact can put it all together, Montreal will be a strong candidate for 2009 USL-1 Champions.
Next Preview: Vancouver Whitecaps FC
-TG
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