May 27, 2008 MLS Toronto FC prepare for Montreal Impact (from Toronto FC Media Relations)
05/27/2008 09:19AM
Special Day For Canadian Soccer
Toronto FC battle Montreal Impact at Stade Saputo Tuesday night
Toronto FC Media Relations
Toronto FC take on Montreal Impact at Stade Saputo, Tuesday night, in the first game of the inaugural Nutrilite Canadian Championship. Kick off 7:30 p.m. The game will be of extra significance for Toronto FC's Canadian internationals Jim Brennan and Greg Sutton.
"It's easy to get up for this game," said Brennan. "Anything you do against Montreal you want to win, especially if you come from Toronto. There's no way I want to lose against them. It's great to have a derby game with Montreal, it will be just like the Leafs against the Habs, but for soccer!"
"The tournament is great for us, and it's going to get bigger and bigger," added Brennan. "It gives us an opportunity to play in the CONCACAF Champions League and be up against the best teams in CONCACAF. If we can win that we go onto the world stage so it's a great opportunity for us and well within our means to qualify for it."
Brennan is under no illusions as to how tough the games will be, despite the Whitecaps and Impact being in the United Soccer League. "The games are going to be a battle," said Brennan. "I don't think there will be too much pretty football. There will be tackles flying around because everybody wants to win. Our fans want to get one up on Montreal and Vancouver and their fans will be thinking the same. It's going to be entertaining and exciting with plenty of tension. We're the big club, the MLS team, so they'll want to beat us and knock us off our perch but we're not going to give them the chance to do that."
Goalkeeper Greg Sutton played for six seasons in Montreal before joining Toronto in 2007. During his time with the Impact, Sutton won the United Soccer League title and was named the league's MVP. "Montreal has a special place in my heart," said Sutton. "They've given me an opportunity to be who I am today and I'm excited to go back there in front of their fans and hopefully win the game."
"I have nothing but respect for their whole organization and I really hope they're in MLS one day. I saw their home opener on television and the new stadium looks nice. The pitch looks great, a great quality grass surface," said Sutton.
The Reds shot-stopper believes the Nutrilite Canadian Championship is a great development for the game. "We're really excited about it. We've got the opportunity to advance to a bigger competition which is a big motivation. We know it's going to be a tough tournament. It will be very emotional for Vancouver and Montreal who want to make it to the MLS. They'll be highly motivated, trying to prove they can compete with an MLS side. It is a really big thing for soccer in Canada."
Toronto FC vs. Montreal Impact is live on CBC Bold (kick off 7:30 p.m.) and online at cbc.ca/sports. The game will be replayed on CBC at midnight.
Tickets for Toronto FC's home games in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship go on public sale on Wednesday, May 28th at 10:00 a.m. Click here for more details.
.
.