'Caps in Montreal
By BOB MACKIN
- THE BUZZ:
The Vancouver Whitecaps are in Montreal to face the Impact in the second of the teams' four Nutrilite Canadian Championship matches today (5 p.m., Radio-Canada.ca and Team990.com).
- CRUCIAL KICKOFF:
It's a must-win for both squads who both lost 1-0 to Toronto FC. Montreal won the inaugural series in 2008 and advanced to the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal, but lost by one goal in the home-and-home series with Santos Laguna of Mexico.
- LEAGUE LAGGARDS:
The struggling Impact (1-3-2, ninth place) beat the Austin Aztex 4-0 on Sunday to win their first USL First Division match of 2009. Coach John Limniatis was given the boot Thursday and replaced by Marc Dos Santos.
- WHO IS BLUE:
Revenge is on the minds of the Impact, who fell to the eventual USL champ Whitecaps in the 2008 semifinals. Ex-Caps in Montreal include Eduardo Sebrango, David Testo, Tony Donatelli, Joey Gjertsen and backup goalkeeper Serge Djekanovic.
- STEADY EDDIE:
The biggest post-championship loss for the Whitecaps was veteran striker Sebrango, who sought a spot closer to his family and grabbed a two-year deal with the Impact. He led the 'Caps in scoring last season with a dozen "Sebrangoals." He has one goal and one assist in six 2009 league games.
- 'CAPS WANT WIN:
The 'Caps are coming off a crushing 2-1 loss to the Rochester Rhinos after offensively dominating the upstate New Yorkers at Swangard Stadium on Saturday. 'Caps' defender Wes Knight and midfielders Vicente Arze and Ansu Toure picked apart the Rhinos' D, but only rookie Dever Orgill was able to score. Geordie Lyall could make his season debut after recovering from off-season ankle surgery.
- NEXT:
The Whitecaps host the Impact next Wednesday.
