- published: 16 Apr 2016
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The Montreal Impact (French: Impact de Montréal) is a Canadian professional soccer team based in Montreal, Quebec that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS).
As Major League Soccer's 19th franchise and third Canadian club, the Impact replace the second division team of same name. The new team is run by the old organization's ownership group, led by owner Joey Saputo.
Toward the end of 2007, much speculation had been made about a possible franchise move for the lower division Impact to Major League Soccer. The construction of the expandable Saputo Stadium further suggests an interest on the part of the group to move up to the top level North American league. Although Toronto FC held a three-year Canadian exclusivity deal that did not expire until 2009, they stated in March 2008 that they would gladly welcome the Impact into MLS.[dead link] Chairman Joey Saputo held talks with George Gillett (former co-owner of Liverpool F.C. and owner of the Montreal Canadiens) regarding possible joint ownership of a franchise. On July 24, 2008, MLS announced they were seeking to add two expansion teams for the 2011 season, of which Montreal was listed as a potential candidate.