The Montreal Impact officially signed defender Dennis Iapichino. The Swiss left back was on trial with the club for a few weeks now and finalize what the club was looking for in that position. Sporting Director , Nick De Santis, confirms on MLSSoccer.com french podcast , Coup Franc , that the search was still on for a full-time left back. With Tyson Wahl not giving full satisfaction and Josh Gardner on and off with injuries, Jeb Brosvky was the assigned left back for the team. He is neither a natural outside back or left footed but filled the role marvelously with some good defending and some spot checks in offensive phases.
It will be interesting to see a full-time professional left back, at least someone that plays in his natural position especially with some European experience. European experience does not necessarily translates into instant success but it helps to have a young player come in and bring some experience in the left back position.
Jesse Marsch about the signing
Dennis is a very good left sided player who we think will establish himself in MLS after some strong years in Switzerland. He did his training at FC Basel, which is a club that is renowned for developing great players.
Nick De Santis about the signing
We're very happy and excited to add a young player like Dennis to our roster. At his age, he's already played a lot of professional games at a high level and we feel that he can settle right away in MLS like Felipe, Andrew Wenger and Zarek Valentin. It's tough to find left sided players and his technique and abilities are very good. We have a great nucleus of young players that could eventually be the future of this team.
Dennis Iapichino's contract is for the rest of the season plus an option for 2013. It is interesting to also know that Felipe Martins ''bartered'' the deal as he also played at FC Lugano. Sometimes the best agents and negotiators are the players themselves. Jesse Marsch advised the media present at today's practice that Iapichino might play on the weekend game vs the Philadephia Union.
Fact Sheet
Position: Defender
Height: 5'10
Weight: 160 lbs
Birth date: July 27, 1990, Frauenfeld, Switzerland
Place of residence: Frauenfeld, Switzerland
Former club: FC Lugano (Switzerland)
Acquired: July 11, 2012