The Montreal Impact announced today the signing of six players for the upcoming A-League season. Returning are veterans Nick DeSantis and Mauro Biello as well as Impact defender of the year and former Rochester Raging Rhino, Gabriel Gervais. Nineteen-year-old midfielder, Jason DiTullio, was also signed and will play his sophomore season with the club after an outstanding 2002.
With the loss of midfielder Patrice Bernier and defender Adam Braz to club teams in Norway and Sweden respectively, the Impact have brought in defenders Andres Arango, a current member of Canada's Under-20 team, and Larry McDonald, the former captain of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic team. Another player who isn't expected back is forward Rocco Placentino who is currently on trial with Avelino of Italy's Serie C.
Impact head coach Bob Lilley was excited to announce the new signings and promised that the team will go far this year. On losing Bernier in midfield and Braz at defense, he said, "They're quality players. They made major contributions last year. We want to replace quality with quality. Patrice Bernier was one of the best two-way players. Possibly Ze (Roberto) will play in the central (midfield) role. I think Nevio (Pizzolitto) may help solve that situation (at defense)." On the team in general Lilley said, "We want to do our best to reach the championship. Not only to reach, but to win a championship. This team can go far. We have some quality players that are returning."
Biello and DeSantis both signed on for a tenth season - the only two players to play in every one of the 10 seasons that the club has been in the league. Mauro Biello, commenting on his signing, simply said, " I am very happy to be back this year." Gervais signed for three years and stated that he was happy to be able to play in Montreal for the rest of his career.
In all some 13 players are now on board for the season. Additional signings will be announced before the start of training camp on March 31st. The team will open the season in Charleston on April 26th with the home opener to take place on the 18th of May as the Impact will host the Richmond Kickers.
