Major League Soccer Soccer Hope to Annonuce Expansion to Montreal

[ilikemusic]

http://tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=319033

MLS SOCCER HOPES TO ANNOUNCE EXPANSION TO MONTREAL

"We're confident that we'll be able to announce a 19th team shortly, and our hope is that 19th team will be in Montreal," he said Thursday during a meeting with the Associated Press Sports Editors.

[RPB_RED_NATION_RPB]

It will become the Fiercest rivalry in MLS!!!

Saturday road trips to MOntreal!..:)

5000 plus road woarriors.....Its Coming!

[gtaguy]

It will become the Fiercest rivalry in MLS!!!


"tic tac tabernac who the fucks the Impact!"

I can smell the rivalry already

[Oldtimer]

It will become the Fiercest rivalry in MLS!!!

Saturday road trips to MOntreal!..:)

No question. Not even Chivas-LA will top it.

[Vinny Dichio]

Super Sex!!!

[BuSaPuNk]

Good news and not really surprising. Can't wait until we play them on the road on a weekend. This will make the 1800-2000+ at Columbus look like childs play.

[Nodoubtguy]

this will be EPIC!!!

[Dirk Diggler]

What does it mean that they "hope" its Montreal? Have they decided upon who gets the 19th spot or what? But yeah, this is certainly good news ... not a surprise but good news none the less. It looks as if Saputo's withdrawal back in 2008 paid off.

[JonO]

^ How so?

[rocker]

Saputo said the other day on some podcast that they were just looking over contracts and getting clarification on certain points (points unrelated to $$$). He also said the announcement will come soon.

[rocker]

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c141/PhJD/montreal_fight.jpg

[CretanBull]

Finally, a rivalry that isn't manufactured!

[J .]

This could be the closest thing to a West Ham v Millwall.

[SilverSamurai]

Woo hoo!
Finally another road trip I can attend!
VanCity and Montreal!

[Super Cereal]

Atlanta or South Florida?

Why are all sports commisioners fucking retarded.

[Oldtimer]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gJMCSTp8SGs/SpvRvRo6rHI/AAAAAAAACdM/I5VmkVcYDto/s400/Tac-Tik_Montreal_Impact.jpg

[Oldtimer]

:mad5::hulk::puke:http://www.montrealimpact.com/PepePhoto/Images/Photo14-1784.jpg

[Ossington Mental Youth]

Finally, a rivalry that isn't manufactured!

i wouldnt say that the TFC-Columbus is manufactured, its very real for many of us and was that way before the trillium cup nonsense

still super psyched for tfc-l'impact games

[gtaguy]

I think the fact of two cities both different in culture and traditions duking it out on the field sounds sweet to me .. I just hope it doesn't spill out onto the fans and the streets.. We all know how much the montrealers love to break shit and burn shit when they win something..

[footballcanada]

This could get really ugly (in a good way) muahahahaha

[Cashcleaner]

It was always just a matter of time before Montreal was brought into the league. Admittedly, we don't get a huge number coming out for the NCC games as it is, but once we start playing them on weekends...

OH FUCK!

It's gonna be intense!

[RealG-TFC]

Can you hear the impact sing?!?!

[billyfly]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2181/3530507637_c882c3e877.jpg

[rocker]

MLS will be a huge hit in Montreal in my opinion... I have feeling that Montrealers will take great pride in being the French invasion of the Anglo league. And they love their football there....

I wonder if Montreal may tap into second division French league players if they find the talent pool a little thin in MLS circles in 2012.

Fuck the Limp Act!

[billyfly]

This could be the closest thing to a West Ham v Millwall.

I'll bring the bricks and you can bring the hammers!

[LittleOzzy]

So how does this change the NCC?

Will we just play Montreal and Vancouver more often with league games not counting towards the NCC?

It actually would be awesome to play Montreal and Vancouver 4 times a year instead of just 2... could really help grow the sport here in Canada.

[Alonso]

Yeah that would make most sense ^^^^

[rocker]

So how does this change the NCC?

Will we just play Montreal and Vancouver more often with league games not counting towards the NCC?

well league games currently don't count towards the NCC.

So we'd face them twice in the NCC and twice in MLS league play.

[DVS]

MLS will be a huge hit in Montreal in my opinion... I have feeling that Montrealers will take great pride in being the French invasion of the Anglo league. And they love their football there....

I wonder if Montreal may tap into second division French league players if they find the talent pool a little thin in MLS circles in 2012.

Fuck the Limp Act!

Montreal will be a hit. They'll problably make the playoffs before TFC at this pace

[Kaz]

So how does this change the NCC?

Will we just play Montreal and Vancouver more often with league games not counting towards the NCC?

It actually would be awesome to play Montreal and Vancouver 4 times a year instead of just 2... could really help grow the sport here in Canada.
NCC would be outside the MLS schedule I would assume like the US Open Cup. Would be nice to open up the NCC more with FC Edmonton around the corner too.

[kodiakTFC]

I'm going to the Montreal game v. Portland this Sunday. Won't wear my TFC gear, find that kinda disrespectful unless the team is actually playing.

[TFCUNITED]

Can't wait until they come into the league. TFC-Impact games will be huge.

[Keystone FC]

http://tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=319033

MLS SOCCER HOPES TO ANNOUNCE EXPANSION TO MONTREAL

"We're confident that we'll be able to announce a 19th team shortly, and our hope is that 19th team will be in Montreal," he said Thursday during a meeting with the Associated Press Sports Editors.
I'm thinking they may make the announcement in Toronto next Wednesday during the NCC.
:canada:

[Keystone FC]

i wouldnt say that the TFC-Columbus is manufactured, its very real for many of us and was that way before the trillium cup nonsense

still super psyched for tfc-l'impact games
I don't care. I HATE, and I mean :hulk:the Crew and will continue to, but my focus will turn towards Montreal as a true rival for TFC, besides Montreal is a better city, better nightlife, and better culture than CBus could ever dream of having. I just can't wait to tell all the Crew fans....OK4fJhbRL1g

[McBrace]

So does that mean the Trillium cup moves between TFC and Montreal?

or

Does it remain because Ontario and the State of Ohio share the same official flower?

As much as I hate th Crew, I would rather focus on Montreal, as a main rival..

[Oldtimer]

We'd better watch out for those Montreal Ultras (and their garbage bag sign):

http://209.85.62.26/5895/3/upload/p6778338.jpg

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[drewski]

So does that mean the Trillium cup moves between TFC and Montreal?

or

Does it remain because Ontario and the State of Ohio share the same official flower?

As much as I hate th Crew, I would rather focus on Montreal, as a main rival..


b

it'll stay the between Columbus and Toronto cause of the flower. Montreal & Toronto will have its own moniker, though I hope they don't do any actually trophy which I think is dumb.

[McBrace]

I think the Trillium cup is dumb, but if they insist on awarding silverware, I'd rather it be between Montreal and Toronto..

[Shaughno]

REAL rivalry. I don't care what happened in Columbus, I really couldn't give a flying fuck about them. Win, lose or draw... don't care more than any other MLS team.

Now Montreal, THAT I care about.

[koryo]

REAL rivalry. I don't care what happened in Columbus, I really couldn't give a flying fuck about them. Win, lose or draw... don't care more than any other MLS team.

Now Montreal, THAT I care about.

I welcome Montreal coming into this league. Only 5 hours away for a road game? Luxury!

[Shaughno]

In proper Canadian fashion, I celebrate this with a solid....


...Fuckin' eh!

[ManUtd4ever]

Awesome news! It's been a long time coming and will provide the first authentic derby type rivalry for TFC. Moreover, with Vancouver joining MLS next season, the profile of football in Canada is going to soar to unprecedented levels in the near future, regardless of the success of the CMNT...

[Redcoe15]

It's no suprise Montreal is set to join MLS - and the derby between Toronto FC and them will be nothing short of fierce! The only thing that needs to be answered is when?

I'm still hoping it will be next week when the Impact hosts TFC in the first NCC match.

[Mark in Ottawa]

It's no suprise Montreal is set to join MLS - and the derby between Toronto FC and them will be nothing short of fierce! The only thing that needs to be answered is when?

I'm still hoping it will be next week when the Impact hosts TFC in the first NCC match.
No there is another question and that is ... How Many?
As in How Many seats must an MLS franchise make available to visiting supporters and the time period from those tickets being available and the club "clawing them back" for sale as walk-ups.

MLS never had this problem until TFC fans started the travelling road shows and now that Seattle is following suit it is a question that must be answered. 10% of seating to visiting supporters? That's only about 1300 seats in Montreal. TFC supporters would fill those in a heartbeat for any weekend tilt for sure.

[nascarguy]

I bet there going to annonuce it in toronto next wednesday when the limpact play's tfc

[SilverSamurai]

An All-Canadian MLS Cup Final.
Archer is going to kill himself... lol

[Oldtimer]

An All-Canadian MLS Cup Final.
Archer is going to kill himself... lol

Vancouver vs. Montreal??? :drinking:

[SilverSamurai]

Vancouver vs. Montreal??? :drinking:
Or TFC...
I mean 1 day...
It's possible... :canada:

[TFCRegina]

Vancouver vs. Montreal??? :drinking:

I see you've replaced kool-aid with beer.

[Oldtimer]

I see you've replaced kool-aid with beer.

:lol:


Actually it's a Diet Coke :D

[Redcoe15]

Vancouver vs. Montreal??? :drinking:
OWWW, OWWW, OWWW,

Yet, when you compare both Vancouver and Montreal's soccer organizations to that of TFC's, that wouldn't be too far off the mark.

:facepalm:

[volunteer]

OWWW, OWWW, OWWW,

Yet, when you compare both Vancouver and Montreal's soccer organizations to that of TFC's, that wouldn't be too far off the mark.

:facepalm:

It's ok, TFC will have had at least a five year head start before either Montreal or Vancouver makes its debut in MLS.

And by then TFC will have nothing to worry about from thise two because the five year plan will have come to fruition. And everyone knows it takes at least five years for expansion teams to become at all competitive, amirite?

[flatpicker]

I can't freakin' wait for that weekend road trip!

[ilikemusic]

Nobody noticed that I was making fun of TSN's headline writer with the thread title? :(

My brilliant wit is wasted on you! :D

[TFCRegina]

Nobody noticed that I was making fun of TSN's headline writer with the thread title? :(

My brilliant wit is wasted on you! :D

I noticed. It's like PIN Number...

[Macksam]

This could be the closest thing to a West Ham v Millwall.
It could be more intense than that, like Boca versus River.

[ilikemusic]

Its Barca-Madrid!

Theyre from a province with deep nationalistic emotions and were from the economic capital of the oppressor.

:D

[T_Mizz]

I noticed. It's like PIN Number...
Or MLB Baseball

PS Things could get pretty ugly with this rivalry, the media will have a field day as soon as violence breaks out, which is now looking like an inevitabilty.

[Trax]

Cant wait for the road trips up to Montreal.

[Oldtimer]

French article stating that it's only the fine details until Montreal is in:

http://www.rds.ca/impact/chroniques/297947.html

The most pertinent part:


On sait que Saputo mise sur l'implication du gouvernement pour pouvoir augmenter la capacité du stade Saputo à 20 000 sièges, comme la MLS l'exige. Mais ce n'est pas à ce niveau-là que les négociations tardent, a assuré le président de l'Impact.

"Ça n'a rien à voir avec le gouvernement, c'est relié au contrat avec la MLS", a affirmé Saputo lors d'un entretien avec La Presse Canadienne. My rough and quick translation:



One knows that Saputo is counting on government involvement to be able to augment stade Saputo's capacity to 20,000 seats, as MLS requires. However, it's not at that step that the negotiations are being delayed, the President of the l'Impact assures us.

"It has nothing to do with the government it's related to the contract with MLS," stated Saputo during a training session with the Canadian Press.


"Et maintenant, nous en sommes au point où nous examinons les petits détails."

My translation:


"And now, we are at the point where we are going over the little details."

[TFCRegina]

French article stating that it's only the fine details until Montreal is in:

http://www.rds.ca/impact/chroniques/297947.html

The most pertinent part:


My rough and quick translation:

Might have to do with the fact that the Impact are operated as a non-profit organization...

Although why that should bother MLS is beyond me...I thought the league operates as a non-profit organization. :P

[Parkdale]

the best thing.....

we'll finally get Weekend games in Montreal. That alone is worth the price of admission.

[akoto]

the best thing.....

we'll finally get Weekend games in Montreal. That alone is worth the price of admission.

+1!

The first Saturday MLS game there will be EPIC!

[J .]

the best thing.....

we'll finally get Weekend games in Montreal. That alone is worth the price of admission.

^
x 2

[Shway]

the best thing.....

we'll finally get Weekend games in Montreal. That alone is worth the price of admission.

knowing the leagueee
they probally would put the game on a thursday
:picard:

[Auzzy]

knowing the leagueee
they probally would put the game on a thursday
:picard:

Yeah, like a Thursday evening in early April or October...

[jimiv]

^
x 2

What a FANTASTIC way to start the 2012 season TFC in MONTREAL!!!

Book your tickets now.

:scarf:

[PASQUALE]

http://tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=319033

MLS SOCCER HOPES TO ANNOUNCE EXPANSION TO MONTREAL

"We're confident that we'll be able to announce a 19th team shortly, and our hope is that 19th team will be in Montreal," he said Thursday during a meeting with the Associated Press Sports Editors.
WOULD BE GREAT FOR MLS AND MORE IMPORTANTLY CANADIAN SOCCER.

[Macksam]

Might have to do with the fact that the Impact are operated as a non-profit organization...

Although why that should bother MLS is beyond me...I thought the league operates as a non-profit organization. :P
There was an article stating how Saputo was preparing for the MLS, and one thing they mentioned was how the Impact were going to turn into a for-profit organization.

[Oldtimer]

What a FANTASTIC way to start the 2012 season TFC in MONTREAL!!!

Book your tickets now.

:scarf:

Knowing MLS, they'll have our season open in Columbus for that famous manufactured rivalry, the "Trillium Cup." :facepalm:

[Toronto Ruffrider]

I wonder how plausible it is for us to open our season in Montreal. Montreal is colder than Toronto, and the Saputo Stadium pitch isn't heated. Under those conditions, I just can't see any games being played in that city in late March.

[jimiv]

I wonder how plausible it is for us to open our season in Montreal. Montreal is colder than Toronto, and the Saputo Stadium pitch isn't heated. Under those conditions, I just can't see any games being played in that city in late March.


BUT IF it could br done it would be huge!...

Perhaps those are the details still needed to be worked out, their pitch may be grass but it doesn't appear to hold up to a season's worth of use as is...

[menefreghista]

I wonder how plausible it is for us to open our season in Montreal. Montreal is colder than Toronto, and the Saputo Stadium pitch isn't heated. Under those conditions, I just can't see any games being played in that city in late March.

Well it could happen, if they have their first ever MLS game at Olympic stadium.

[TorCanSoc]

With all the success of the Impact has had in the past. An MLS franchise there would easily sell out an expanded 18,000 seat Saputo stadium. We would be left out ticket allotments. Just like we do to visiting MLS teams, specifically Columbus. Don't expect space for 3,000 of us to take over the stadium. My guess is 500 maximum.

[Keystone FC]

Well it could happen, if they have their first ever MLS game at Olympic stadium.
I could see that happening. Considering they did it for their CCL run and filled the place quite nicely.
Now, imagine an additional 2,000 TFC fans to that and you have something that will look wonderful.

[drewski]

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2010/05/espn_the_magazines_jeff_bradle.html


*MLS says it will make a "big" announcement at noon today. Expansion to Montreal?

[Waggy]

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2010/05/espn_the_magazines_jeff_bradle.html

Anyone know if the announcement getting streamed anywhere/on tv? Or am I stuck refreshing MLS's twitter again

[James17930]

http://www.montreal2012.com/

[rocker]

so I guess the big announcement today will be something like "MLS is holding a press conference tomorrow for a major announcement in Montreal. All media are invited." :)

That's how they did it for Vanny/Portland.

[stugautz]

UPDATE: Two-hour delay, now 2 p.m. It's not expansion.

[Pigfynn]

Well...what is it then?

[deltox]

all star oppenent

[James17930]

It's ManU, right?

[Dirk Diggler]

What the heck? If this is about the MLS All-Star game, why are MLS and Montreal2012 having a countdown at the same time?

[kodiakTFC]

Its got to be expansion, why would they make a website like http://www.montreal2012.com/ for an allstar opponent.. 2 years from now.. when they all ready announced they play AC Milan this summer.

[deltox]

the announcement today is allstar,,,, tomorrow is the expansion

[deltox]

and its possible that Ottawa will be announced as the NASL team replacing MTL

[ilikemusic]

http://worldsoccerreader.com/2010/05/manchester-united-to-play-mls-all-stars-on-july-28th/

[Inklink]

If true, this is excellent news (expansion)!

Great for Canadian soccer :canada: and great rival for Toronto FC :scarf: !

[drewski]

http://www.24thminute.com/2010/05/well-kept-secrets.html

[drewski]

Impact issue press advisory


The Montreal Impact have issued a media advisory for a press conference scheduled for tomorrow morning at 10am. The press conference will include “a major announcement concerning the future of professional soccer in Montreal.” What do you suppose that could mean?

http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=2072

[Toronto Ruffrider]

^I saw that same press advisory on the TFC web site.

[Cas87]

http://authenticas.blogspot.com/

shameless plug

[Redcoe15]

Finally!

Make room for numero trois. :canada:

And buh bye Columbus. We gonna have a new MLS rival to butt heads with.

[onuslog]

Looks like it has legs

"The Montreal Impact have called a news conference for Friday morning, when it is expected they will announce they will join MLS as an expansion franchise."

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2010/05/06/sp-impact-mls.html


http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2010/05/06/sp-impact-mls.html

[TFCUNITED]

It's pretty good to hear about the all star opponent and most likely Montreal expansion.

[Ossington Mental Youth]

Finally!

Make room for numero trois. :canada:

And buh bye Columbus. We gonna have a new MLS rival to butt heads with.

Columbus will always be a hated team for me, that will never change but without a doubt our rivalry with that team in quebec will easily be one of if not the most fierce fights in the league

[drewski]

Columbus will always be a hated team for me, that will never change but without a doubt our rivalry with that team in quebec will easily be one of if not the most fierce fights in the league

+1

you can have more than one heated rivalry, ie Leafs v Habs & Red Wings

[Brooker]

FUCK THE IMPACT!!!

[GuelphStorm2007]

I am so looking forward to this if it is true.

[Keystone FC]

Columbus will always be a hated team for me, that will never change but without a doubt our rivalry with that team in quebec will easily be one of if not the most fierce fights in the league


+1

you can have more than one heated rivalry, ie Leafs v Habs & Red Wings
+2
My hate for CBus will always be with me but I must acknowledge and respect a true rival in Toronto v. Montreal.
I just wonder if they'll keep the Impact name or go with something else.

[TFCtoMUFC]

The rivalry will be great....until we have a home game against them and 20 cub scouts show up.

[Oldtimer]

The "major announcement" will be streamed live on http://www.mlssoccer.com/ at 10 AM.

[Whoop]

Man I can't wait for Saturday nights in Montreal.

This will be way bigger than the Columbus rivalry.

[Oldtimer]

Man I can't wait for Saturday nights in Montreal.

This will be way bigger than the Columbus rivalry.


+10,000 :flare::flare::flare::flare::flare:

[Cashcleaner]

The official Montreal 2012 MLS site is now in countdown mode. Less than one hour before streaming starts:

http://www.montreal2012.com/

[Oldtimer]

It's funny.

10 AM on the Major League Soccer Soccer site, 10:30 on the Montreal 2012 site??:willy_nilly:

[Cashcleaner]

^ I bet the Montreal site will just have the announcement and the league site will have all the regular presser talk beforehand.

[RPB_RED_NATION_RPB]

Henry will be there first DP!..;)

then again..Saputo has MOB ties......

He might bring in Del Piero!

[bgnewf]

I hope both the Impact and TFC realize that there needs to be more accomodation for away fans in this kind of fixture in order to truly build the rivalry the way it should be built. TFC should think about allocating the entire north stand for away fans or something to that effect. Having only 100 away fans from Montreal does not do it for me, and vice versa.

And the days of us sending 500 or 1000 fans to Montreal will end as well if there are no seats to give. I am sure that the two clubs can work something out that fills the stadiums and adds to the "derby" feel.

This is a great day for Canadian soccer. And weekends in Montreal sound absolutely wonderful to me.

[Cashcleaner]

The "major announcement" will be streamed live on http://www.mlssoccer.com/ at 10 AM.


Correction.

It will stream at the same time as stated on the Montreal 2012 site.

Montreal Expansion Announcement at 10:30am

[ManUtd4ever]

The official Montreal 2012 MLS site is now in countdown mode. Less than one hour before streaming starts:

http://www.montreal2012.com/

Haha, the worst kept secret in professional sports is about be confirmed at long last. Great comment on the facebook wall Cashcleaner...

[drewski]

It's funny.

10 AM on the Major League Soccer Soccer site, 10:30 on the Montreal 2012 site??:willy_nilly:

it says 10:30 too

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/mls-make-major-announcement-friday-morning


Event streamed live on MLSsoccer.com at 10:30 am

[ManUtd4ever]

I hope both the Impact and TFC realize that there needs to be more accomodation for away fans in this kind of fixture in order to truly build the rivalry the way it should be built. TFC should think about allocating the entire north stand for away fans or something to that effect. Having only 100 away fans from Montreal does not do it for me, and vice versa.

And the days of us sending 500 or 1000 fans to Montreal will end as well if there are no seats to give. I am sure that the two clubs can work something out that fills the stadiums and adds to the "derby" feel.

This is a great day for Canadian soccer. And weekends in Montreal sound absolutely wonderful to me.

I don't think there will be any issues from either F.O. in accomodating the travelling supporters. It's going to be awesome!

[Oldtimer]

it says 10:30 too

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/mls-make-major-announcement-friday-morning

Earlier it said 10 AM!!! :drinking:

[RPB_RED_NATION_RPB]

I hope both the Impact and TFC realize that there needs to be more accomodation for away fans in this kind of fixture in order to truly build the rivalry the way it should be built. TFC should think about allocating the entire north stand for away fans or something to that effect. Having only 100 away fans from Montreal does not do it for me, and vice versa.

And the days of us sending 500 or 1000 fans to Montreal will end as well if there are no seats to give. I am sure that the two clubs can work something out that fills the stadiums and adds to the "derby" feel.

This is a great day for Canadian soccer. And weekends in Montreal sound absolutely wonderful to me.

Have to agree.....this rivalry will be intense....and that little section in the upper corner of bmo will not cut it!...They will need there own section as i believe alot more will travel to BMO on a sat!....Safety issues to boot. Its best to put them in the North End stand!

[Cashcleaner]

Haha, the worst kept secret in professional sports is about be confirmed at long last. Great comment on the facebook wall Cashcleaner...

I just calls 'em as I sees 'em.

Can't wait to hear how badly Bill Archer takes it. :canada:

[Redcoe15]

Can't wait to hear how badly Bill Archer takes it. :canada:
Problably among these choices:

A) :mad:

B) :mad5:

C):hulk:

D) :banghead:

E) :puke:

F) :prrr:

[Cashcleaner]

This is more like it.

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/STNug-lKeIM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/STNug-lKeIM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

[Chevy]

He's ALREADY chimed in.

http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/blog.php?b=8435

Note the insulting use of Canadia, Canadianite, etc... What an idiot.

[dupont]

He's ALREADY chimed in.

http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/blog.php?b=8435

Note the insulting use of Canadia, Canadianite, etc... What an idiot.

Probably best to just not click on his blog.

[Cashcleaner]

^ Noticed it now. Making a comment of my own...

[loconet]

http://www.montreal2012.com/conference

[Oldtimer]

He's ALREADY chimed in.

http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/blog.php?b=8435

Note the insulting use of Canadia, Canadianite, etc... What an idiot.

While it's true that the Impact did once file for bankruptcy (as he notes), it wasn't while Saputo owned the club.

[drewski]

"an error occurred during connection"

oh this is a GREAT start :LOL:

[Cashcleaner]

Starting now. Get yer popping corn ready!

[Alonso]

Drewski, can you provide the link to the video stream I cant seem to find it on mlssoccer.com?

[Chevy]

^ Noticed it now. Making a comment of my own...


Well put!

[Alonso]

Damn... no silverlight on my browser at work... Why would they limit there audience with this silverlight crap...

[loconet]

It's official

[drewski]

Drewski, can you provide the link to the video stream I cant seem to find it on mlssoccer.com?

wasn't up till just now

http://mls.neulion.com/mlsvp/console.jsp?catid=1916&id=4908

or

http://www.montreal2012.com/conference

[Keystone FC]

MLSSoccer has nothing up right now. Just that it will be streaming it...about 10 minutes ago.

[Keystone FC]

MOntreal's site is ahead of MLS site

[drewski]

has it started? the screen is black for me

[rocker]

oh great.. now I get to watch montreal impact highlights...

[Alonso]

Thanks guys, neither site is working on my browser... updates would be nice though... :-)

[fetajr]

great!...now when the Impact goalie takes a goal kick, we can all yell "Saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...PUTO!!!"

[CenturySam]

http://mls.neulion.com/mlsvp/

[Keystone FC]

It sounds like he's taking the TFC announcement in 2006 and just put 'Montreal' where it said Toronto.

[Keystone FC]

Bill archer must be having a MAJOR meltdown right now:
"Not French Canadian! Not French Canadian! Ohhhhhh MY HEAD!"

[loconet]

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/kick-montreal-set-join-mls-mexico-plays-ecuador

[Chevy]

Billy is banning all pro-canadian posts as we speak. Sorry Cash - "you gots banned".

[rocker]

what's this govt guy saying? I stopped french lessons in grade 7.

[Cashcleaner]

Billy is banning all pro-canadian posts as we speak. Sorry Cash - "you gots banned".

The guy is a coward of the highest order. Not the first time he's deleted dissenting views.

[Bloor West FC]

Can someone translate what he is saying please :). Oh some English hold on, nope back to french :(

[Chevy]

The guy is a coward of the highest order. Not the first time he's deleted dissenting views.

Well, at least I got to read your post during the 10 minutes it was up.

[RPB_RED_NATION_RPB]

I like the new face lift Saputo Stadium will get!

http://montrealmls2012.com/stade.php?language=EN

http://i40.tinypic.com/w7ixz9.jpg

[Keystone FC]

I like the new face lift Saputo Stadium will get!

http://montrealmls2012.com/stade.php?language=EN

http://i40.tinypic.com/w7ixz9.jpg
WHAT THE !?

[Oldtimer]

Really nice stadium.

[Keystone FC]

This is interesting:
If need be, the Olympic Stadium could be a viable and exciting alternative for important soccer events, including the Impact’s MLS home opener, the MLS All-Star game, playoff matches or international matches in the fall or winter.

[loconet]

Ok enough of this.

Really happy about this. Good news for the sport in Canada for sure.

Welcome Montreal, now fuck off.

[rocker]

http://montrealmls2012.com/img/PhotoStade2.jpg

at first i thought that was a major roof from the other photos, but it isn't... just a little canvas thing that covers the top 3-4 rows.

[jabbronies]

Congrats Montreal on getting into the MLS.

Now go fuck yourselves! Even if you are in the MLS, We'll still kick your asses all over the pitch.

[fetajr]

http://i40.tinypic.com/w7ixz9.jpg



looks like i mini bombonera--- me like

http://www.bocareydecopas.com.ar/wp-includes/images/bombonera.jpg

[Toronto Gunner]

Damn, they're stadium will be beautiful. Ours just keeps looking crappier and crappier every time a new one is rolled out.

[rocker]

Damn, they're stadium will be beautiful. Ours just keeps looking crappier and crappier every time a new one is rolled out.

this isn't a new stadium. the two stands are exactly the same as what exists now (which is worse than BMO Field stands, since you can't walk under them). their north/east stand is just metal stands.

The only real difference is they filled in the corners.

[Oldtimer]

Q: Will ticket prices increase when the Impact joins MLS?

Although a price increase will be very likely, the Impact wishes to maintain its trademark of great accessibility and to this effect, its intention is to remain the most affordable professional sports team in Montreal. The value of this increase is yet to be determined.

Q: What will be the price of tickets?

Ticket prices will be announced at a later date. However, we can as of now confirm that with the increase in stadium seat capacity from 13,000 to more than 20, 000, the organization will be able to double its ticket offer in the affordable seats category. The 2012 season ticket price will start at $300.


Like that they will try to keep prices reasonable.

[rocker]

oh shit Saputo is crying now..WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

you'll be crying more as we continue to kick your team's ass.

[RPB_RED_NATION_RPB]

Gota say Saputo has the PASSION..Loves the game!!

Would love to have that here at TFC


One Team One Owner!

[loconet]

http://loconet.ca/gfix/mls-saPUTO.png
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/passionate-montreal-named-19th-mls-city

[trane]

Gota say Saputo has the PASSION..Loves the game!!

Would love to have that here at TFC


One Team One Owner!

Agreed.

[RPB_RED_NATION_RPB]

:)

Vy1297PFkgw

[menefreghista]

oh shit Saputo is crying now..WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

you'll be crying more as we continue to kick your team's ass.

I'm sure the people who run our club would cry too.... if they didn't receive their bonuses....

[rocker]

I'm sure the people who run our club would cry too.... if they didn't receive their bonuses....


If my owner cried at a press conference I'd be embarrassed. WAHHH!

just another thing we can rib Montreal fans about! ;)

[menefreghista]

I didn't realize Montreal fans were on our board.

I forgot I was talking to Mo Johnston and MLSE's biggest apologist.

Keep your head in the sand, it suits you well...

[Alonso]

Gota say Saputo has the PASSION..Loves the game!!

Would love to have that here at TFC


One Team One Owner!

^^^ My biggest dream for this team...

[Redcoe15]

This is interesting:
If need be, the Olympic Stadium could be a viable and exciting alternative for important soccer events, including the Impact’s MLS home opener, the MLS All-Star game, playoff matches or international matches in the fall or winter.
Montreal Impact home opener, 2012. Olympic Stadium. vs Toronto FC. Saturday kickoff, 4:00PM.


THIS!

MUST!

HAPPEN!!!!!

[__wowza]

^^new derby name?
Plains of Abraham

[arbogast]

^^new derby name?
Plains of Abraham


ummm... The plains of Abraham are in Quebec City, I get what you're saying with the french v English thing, but given the geography between our two cities maybe the St. Lawrence Derby?

[jaxul]

Montreal Impact home opener, 2012. Olympic Stadium. vs Toronto FC. Saturday kickoff, 4:00PM.


THIS!

MUST!

HAPPEN!!!!!

Olympic Stadium though? Football is meant for outdoors! :)

[Lucky Strike]

Olympic Stadium though? Football is meant for outdoors! :)

Give it time, the roof should collapse soon enough and once you clear the debris, hey presto! Outdoor pitch.

Also, check out this amusing article. My favourite was the excruciating dental condition remark.

http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2010/05/too-early-enmity-toward-montreal

[__wowza]

ummm... The plains of Abraham are in Quebec City, I get what you're saying with the french v English thing, but given the geography between our two cities maybe the St. Lawrence Derby?

i meant it as the location of the famous battle, more or less it's the "english speakers kicked your ass!"

[jaxul]

Give it time, the roof should collapse soon enough and once you clear the debris, hey presto! Outdoor pitch.

Also, check out this amusing article. My favourite was the excruciating dental condition remark.

http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2010/05/too-early-enmity-toward-montreal

Good read!

"First, Stade Saputo is within falling distance of the Olympic Stadium. It’s like installing a swim-up bar where the Edmund Fitzgerald went down." :D

[arbogast]

i meant it as the location of the famous battle, more or less it's the "english speakers kicked your ass!"


oh i fully appreciate the reference to that can of whoop-ass that was openned on them! hey if we go with that kinda theme it could even be the Wolfe and Montcalm Bowl.

[drewski]

Battle of the Canada's (upper v lower)

[Pookie]

So how does this change the NCC?

Will we just play Montreal and Vancouver more often with league games not counting towards the NCC?

It actually would be awesome to play Montreal and Vancouver 4 times a year instead of just 2... could really help grow the sport here in Canada.

It could, or it could dilute the games themselves a little.

When the NHL tried to build a schedule on geographic rivalries they created an unbalanced scenario.

The Leafs-Habs ended up playing each other 8 times during a season. Same with the Leafs-Sens and Sens-Habs (Calgary-Edmonton-Vancouver). This is just personal opinion but there doesn't seem to be the same build up to a "rivalry game" like there used to be.

In a 34 game season (MLS plus NCC)... playing the same 2 teams 8 times might have some saying, "what these guys again?"

[Chevy]

Good point. Could we just count the league games as NCC games?

That would either reduce our season's ticket costs (not likely) or give us the room to bring in more and/or better clubs for friendlies.

[ilikemusic]

Montreal Impact home opener, 2012. Olympic Stadium. vs Toronto FC. Saturday kickoff, 4:00PM.


THIS!

MUST!

HAPPEN!!!!!


It is awesome that Montreal seems to essentially have two stadiums right next to each other.

A Montreal-Toronto derby at the Big O with 10K travelling Toronto fans would be amazing!

[jaxul]

It is awesome that Montreal seems to essentially have two stadiums right next to each other.

A Montreal-Toronto derby at the Big O with 10K travelling Toronto fans would be amazing!

10k fans from Toronto in Saputto would be even more amazing :p

[ilikemusic]

Good point. Could we just count the league games as NCC games?

That would either reduce our season's ticket costs (not likely) or give us the room to bring in more and/or better clubs for friendlies.

Do it old school UEFA Cup style. Where you dont play each team home and away. Just one or the other.

For examples...

2012 NCC
Tor-Van
Mon-Tor
Van-Mon

[nascarguy]

MLS expands to Montreal

By STEVEN SANDOR (steven.sandor@sunmedia.ca), QMI Agency
Last Updated: May 7, 2010 12:00pm
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/soccer/2010/05/07/13861476.html (http://www.torontosun.com/sports/soccer/2010/05/07/13861476.html)

[Parkdale]

Montreal Impact home opener, 2012. Olympic Stadium. vs Toronto FC. Saturday kickoff, 4:00PM.


THIS!

MUST!

HAPPEN!!!!!




the opener will be in their home stadium (Saputo, with 7000 new seats).
I can't see any team doing their first game in their new league in another stadium.
It would be like wearing white at home ;)

[Whoop]

Umm... Philly?

[ilikemusic]

I can't see any team doing their first game in their new league in another stadium.
It would be like wearing white at home ;)

_0jHRWx0wIo

[Beach_Red]

the opener will be in their home stadium (Saputo, with 7000 new seats).
I can't see any team doing their first game in their new league in another stadium.
It would be like wearing white at home ;)


They're probably going to start referring to the whole Saputo/Olympic Stadium area as some kind of "Home of Soccer in Quebec," and as they sell more and more tickets have more and more games in Olympic Stadium. After all, no one else is using it. It may become more and more soccer specific. Might even get grass in there.

It's possibly they'll really grow into this and do it up right. Which, even though it's good for the game in Canada pisses me off.

[jaxul]

people weren't even showing up for the EX-pos in the big o. i doubt the soccer will fill it up unless it's a playoff game or they make it far in the north american tournament. the only positive i see to them playing games in the big o is the weather factor since it snowed in Montreal the day before they came to Toronto last week.

the big o should just be used for concerts, trade shows and the odd alouettes game

[Pookie]

They're probably going to start referring to the whole Saputo/Olympic Stadium area as some kind of "Home of Soccer in Quebec," and as they sell more and more tickets have more and more games in Olympic Stadium. After all, no one else is using it. It may become more and more soccer specific. Might even get grass in there....


... and then there will be these monkeys that are trained to be ushers and then maybe a helicopter that flies to your seat to serve your refreshments and then maybe a giant waterslide constructed that you get to use to exit the stadium... oh and it will fly too

;)

Olympic stadium is owned by the Government of France.. err, Quebec. Saputo would have to pay rent there vs the Field that he owns, and expanded, outright. Makes no financial sense to put anything there when his stadium isn't under a couple of feet of snow.

[boban]

this isn't a new stadium. the two stands are exactly the same as what exists now (which is worse than BMO Field stands, since you can't walk under them). their north/east stand is just metal stands.

The only real difference is they filled in the corners.
You are right about that. The quality is on level with the east stand of the NSS but it looks finished. it blends in well with existing stands. It looks finished and it looks clean. Makes the stadium look a lot better than what it really is. Se what a little design does. ;)

[boban]

Good point. Could we just count the league games as NCC games?

That would either reduce our season's ticket costs (not likely) or give us the room to bring in more and/or better clubs for friendlies.
No. The USSF has the US Open Cup as separate games from the MLS. As the NCC should be. So we play Montreal and Vancouver 2 more times each. Its a CANADIAN championship that includes lower division teams as well.
Just means more soccer. :)

[GuelphStorm2007]

This is good news for Soccer in Canada, I just cannot wait for the weekend road trips, I think they will have all the games at SAPUTO, and maybe play the odd playoff game over at The Big Owe, similiar to what the Allouettes do every year.

[GuelphStorm2007]

Hopefully this will lead to even bigger things maybe more Canadian teams in either MLS and Nasl

[Shway]

This is good news for Soccer in Canada, I just cannot wait for the weekend road trips, I think they will have all the games at SAPUTO, and maybe play the odd playoff game over at The Big Owe, similiar to what the Allouettes do every year.

for TFC games i think they should play at the big owe,

10,000 Travelling TFC Fans

[Beach_Red]

... and then there will be these monkeys that are trained to be ushers and then maybe a helicopter that flies to your seat to serve your refreshments and then maybe a giant waterslide constructed that you get to use to exit the stadium... oh and it will fly too

;)

Olympic stadium is owned by the Government of France.. err, Quebec. Saputo would have to pay rent there vs the Field that he owns, and expanded, outright. Makes no financial sense to put anything there when his stadium isn't under a couple of feet of snow.


The government of France, er, Quebec is pretty deep into Saputo as well. In Quebec there is a much different relationship between government and business and the population in general.

And no one is using Olympic Stadium. And Quebec has no Major League Baseball team or NBA team or any desire for an NFL team - they've been trying hard to be European in Quebec since I was a kid there in the 70's.

Right now there's as much potential for soccer in Quebec as there is in Ontario - the difference will be government and ownsership. I wish I liked our chances better.

[rocker]

You are right about that. The quality is on level with the east stand of the NSS but it looks finished. it blends in well with existing stands. It looks finished and it looks clean. Makes the stadium look a lot better than what it really is. Se what a little design does. ;)

Of course, this only gets Saputo stadium up to the same level of BMO Field. BMO Field has two corners filled in (Southwest, northwest) and Saputo stadium will have two corners filled in (northwest, southeast). :)
The southeast and northeast corners (if I have my directions correct) at Saputo will not be filled in.

[boban]

Of course, this only gets Saputo stadium up to the same level of BMO Field. BMO Field has two corners filled in (Southwest, northwest) and Saputo stadium will have two corners filled in (northwest, southeast). :)
The southeast and northeast corners (if I have my directions correct) at Saputo will not be filled in.
Your statements are always delusional.
A blind man can see the 2 corners in Saputo are filled and only one in the NSS is even remotely filled. Even at that it has a gap. Also, overall as per the new renderings of Saputo Stadium, it is has more complete and finished look to it.

[rocker]

Your statements are always delusional.
A blind man can see the 2 corners in Saputo are filled and only one in the NSS is even remotely filled. Even at that it has a gap. Also, overall as per the new renderings of Saputo Stadium, it is has more complete and finished look to it.

Lemme tell you something: if you took out the lame crack about delusion and blind man, maybe I'd care about what you have to say. LOL.

Anyhow, next time you're at BMO, take a look at the private boxes and seats in the corners behind the corner flags..... The corners are indeed "filled in." They have service entrances there, of course, but unlike Saputo Stade currently, the stands don't end at the corner flag. They wrap around behind. NEE can tell you all about it. The stands actually face in towards the field a bit in the last sections on each end as well. The only corners that aren't filled in are north east and south east.

Anyways, I find people on here obsess to much about filling in the corners, as if that makes a stadium great. I love Craven Cottage, which has open corners. No biggie.

back on my ignore list for you..... :)

[nascarguy]

for TFC games i think they should play at the big owe,

10,000 Travelling TFC Fans
only 10,000 ? I want to see 25,000 lets fill that b**ch up and take over the city

[Keystone FC]

Umm... Philly?


_0jHRWx0wIo
Yeah, but that's because their new home isn't finished yet. The Impact could use the Big O if the additions to Sap aren't done in time, which seems unlikely seeing as they have 2 years to add a section or two.

I could see the Impact putting out feelers to see how many TFC fans would be coming to Montreal, and if the numbers are more than what Sap can hold then they can move the match to the O.

[Shway]

only 10,000 ? I want to see 25,000 lets fill that b**ch up and take over the city

yea right
its going to be a case of "well you only let 300 of ours fans, so thats all were releasing to your fans".

which all in all is fair.

BMO needs to expand or we could play one game in the rogers center

[akoto]

Come on guys, 10,000? Really? I understand 2 and 3 years ago we brought 2500+ to Columbus (and I was one of them) but that was at the "peak" of popularity for TFC. Based solely on attendance so far this year I would say that interest is fading. Maybe if we start becoming a contender the numbers will pick up but based on current levels of interest I would say doing 2500 (and I will be one of them) again but in MTL would be a great achievement. If we could get the ticket allocation obviously.

BTW I hope I'm wrong. I would love to see 10K+ but it just doesn't seem realistic right now.

[Shway]

interest will never!
and i mean NEVER! fade against a l'impact game.

Theres history behind it a Toronto, Montreal rivarly, hatred

[akoto]

What was the attendance for the HOME game against our hated rivals? I don't care if it was a Wednesday. If there is as much interest as you seem to think there is, why wasn't it sold out vs MTL? If we can't get 21,000 to come to see it at home what makes you think 10,000 people will travel 6-7 hours?

[habstfc]

Because in all likelyhood it would be on a saturday. It probably wouldn't be anywhere near 10,000, I could see 5 thousand going though. Imagine on a nice summer weekend It wouldn't be too hard to get that many to go to montreal. Montreal is a great fucking--excuse me, effing--town, you wouldn't have to twist my arm to make that trip.

Why wasn't the montreal agame a sellout, there are many reasons, one being the weeknight game, another being it was not on a cold night, but it was a little chilly therefor effecting the last minute people who were thinking about attending. I think the most important reason though is the fact that montreal is playing in an inferior league at the moment and people aren't going to get as excited to see tfc play a team from that league, but once in mls, it's going to be something to be in either stadium for that match-up.

[Keystone FC]

Because in all likelyhood it would be on a saturday. It probably wouldn't be anywhere near 10,000, I could see 5 thousand going though. Imagine on a nice summer weekend It wouldn't be too hard to get that many to go to montreal. Montreal is a great fucking--excuse me, effing--town, you wouldn't have to twist my arm to make that trip.

I agree. Not to mention that the Impact have the Big Owe at their disposal to accomidate traveling support on an epic scale.
We got 2,000+ to cross the border into the States, pre Spring and in Ohio of all places, so getting 5,000+ to Montreal on a Summer weekend shouldn't be too difficult.
Now, will we have 5,000+ every MTL away match? No, but I can see a significate amount more people making this trip than any other city.

[billyfly]

Holy Cow Graeme Souness played for them!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal_Olympique

[Whoop]

Don't forget the Montreal Manic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal_Manic

[Beach_Red]

Holy Cow Graeme Souness played for them!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal_Olympique


And they played at the Autostade. What a weird stadium that was. And short lived. They bulldozed Goose Village under to build it.

[ManUtd4ever]

^^ The good old days, LOL.

Toronto Blizzard vs Chicago Sting in the old NASL at Exhibition Stadium:

http://cache2.asset-cache.net/xc/87924505.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D01A8D9B489B6DCC10 7D88215C1BA1A907572A8C24106411ED

Sometimes we have to remember just how great things are now for footie fans in T.O.!

[billyfly]

^^ The good old days, LOL.

Toronto Blizzard vs Chicago Sting in the old NASL at Exhibition Stadium:

http://cache2.asset-cache.net/xc/87924505.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D01A8D9B489B6DCC10 7D88215C1BA1A907572A8C24106411ED

Sometimes we have to remember just how great things are now for footie fans in T.O.!


That's Varsity Stadium.

[Whoop]

They played in both.

But in the end they played out of Varsity.

4F8H5jTOKhw

[Kaz]

OMG it's a little off topic but that is an add for Maple Leaf Village... I've never actually seen one of those... oh how I miss how empty that place was when I was in high school