MONTREAL — There were fewer players and the atmosphere was a little smoother at the Montreal Impact’s training facilities this week.
After three games on the road, the team is looking to take advantage from a weekend off. After the international break, the Impact will round out their six-game road stint to open the season with games against Sporting Kansas City, New York City FC and DC United.
“We have to take it to our advantage because we’ve been on the road for so long,” said Micheal Azira. “This time you get to be home, be with your family and enjoy the little moments with your family. It’s sad for them as well, because if you travel every weekend it’s important for them to give them your time.”
The Ugandan midfielder added he would take his free weekend to visit Quebec City with his loved ones.
With two wins and one loss in the first half of their road stint, the Impact sit fourth in the eastern conference.
“I’m happy because the team is doing well. Comparing from the last year, we started much better,” Jukka Raitala said. “I saw already from the [preseason] games that we were much further than we were last year, so I’m happy for that.”
Five players had already left the city to join their national teams. Samuel Piette and Zachary Brault-Guillard will represent Canada, while Daniel Lovitz was called up to the United States men’s national team. Making their way to the African content, Saphir Taider has reported to the Algerian men’s national team and Orji Okonkwo was called up to the Nigerian under-23s.
Raitala back in mix?
Another player looking to take advantage of the weekend is defender Jukka Raitala. The Finland international wasn’t called up to his national team for fitness reasons. Raitala has only played 14 MLS minutes and has yet to start for the Impact this season.
“It was tough. I missed the last three [preseason], games but that’s part of the sport, unfortunately,” Raitala said. “Like I said, it wasn’t anything massive. It could’ve been worse.”
The Finn could be given his first start of the year next weekend at Sporting Kansas City. With the red card given to Zakaria Diallo, Remi Garde’s two options at center back are Raitala and Rudy Camacho.
“Injuries or suspensions happen and someone else gets a chance and has to take them,” said Raitala. “We’ll see what happens next week but I feel very good to show what I can do.”
Raitala doesn’t think Diallo’s absence will change the Impact’s formation in Kansas City. The defender stressed that it is up to Garde’s, but he expects another game in the 4-3-3 formation.
Krolicki is back
Ken Krolicki has rejoined his teammates this week. The 23-year-old was alongside his teammates at the Marie-Victorin Complex on Wednesday.
He was also jogging on his own at Centre Nutrilait, the Impact’s main training facility, Thursday. Krolicki suffered a dislocated right elbow during the preseason and was expected to be out for a six-week period.