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Welcome to the first "Gio's Random Thoughts" of 2013! Every week, I will unleash some observations about what the Impact and the MLS. Some good, some bad, some ugly. HERE WE GO!
* Congratulations to the Montreal Impact organization for winning the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic!! Enjoy it boys!
* I think the WDWPSC is the longest named tournament in the history of sports.
* Sorry folks, there is no parade for winning a pre-season tournament.
* What a boring first half. It was as exciting as watching paint dry.
* The second half had a bit more action but still very dull.
* Reminder to myself and everyone... it was a PRESEASON GAME!!! There will be much more intensity in the regular season.
* Coach Marco used what is should be the Starting XI for the first game of the season. Perkins, Brovsky, Nesta, Ferrari, Camara, Arnaud, Mapp, Pisanu, Felipe, Bernier and Di Vaio.
* It will take a regular season game or two for this team to show its true potential. Changing manager, trainer and mentality takes time. They are on the right path.
* Commentators on ESPN 3 (TSN 2) announced the name of every Crew player perfectly. They did, however, decide to re-baptise almost every player on the Impact. Arnaud was Ar-NOD. Felipe was Marrrtennns. Pisanu was Pee-sa-nu (I swear I heard Pikachu at least once). Brovsky was Browsky. Di Vaio was Diaby. Ferrari was Ferreira.
* ESPN 3 needs to hire Cotton McKnight and Pepper Brooks from ESPN 8: The Ocho (Dodgeball movie reference).
* MLS and Disney need to invest in an extra camera or four for their tournament. Seriously. Felt like one of the players' dad's were recording the game.
* Justin Mapp scored the lone goal of the game. He played a decent game. He has solidified his spot in the starting XI.
* HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT: I have decided to start fresh with Justin Mapp. I am now a Mapp fan. Life is all about second chances. If Coach Marco likes him, I'll give him another shot. Don't know how long this will last. To be re-evaluated on a day by day basis.
* Was disappointed not to see Smith, Valentin and a few others in this game.
* Troy Perkins looks like he is in mid-season form. Think of the cheap goals we allowed or some of the points we lost last year because of Ricketts. That won't happen anymore.
* Marco Di Vaio spent most of the night offside. I know I know, no surprise here.
* The Impact defense played well. Nesta and Ferrari were great in the middle. If this D-line can stay healthy, Montreal will have one of the best defences in the league.
* Felipe played well but needs to step it up a notch in the regular season.
* I miss Donovan Ricketts and his orange construction cone colored jersey', said no one.
* Have you seen the picture of Mickey Mouse with an Impact jersey? Is De Santis negotiating a transfer? Is Tac-Tik's job in danger?
* Coach Marco now faces some huge decisions on depth/rotation.
* The preseason is finally OVER!!! Time for the boys to head to Seattle and get those first 3 points of the season!!
Until next time,
Forza Impact
