Montreal's eventually entry into MLS may be a forgone conclusion, but it won't be happening in 2011. Don Garber, in Toronto tonight for TFC's friendly with Real Madrid, confirmed that fact to the assembled press when asked about his discussions with Impact owner Joey Saputo.
"It will not be happening in 2011, it will happen sometime after that, but I would like to see three teams in Canada," Garber told the media. "We are in discussion with Joey Saputo and his family, the next step is to work with them to get public support to expand and renovate that stadium."
The "public support" Garber mentioned is the $25 million (CAN) that the Quebec provincial government is said to be on the verge of contributing to the Impact for renovations to Stade Saputo. The stadium would need an expansion from it's current capacity of 13,000 to meet MLS standards, and Saputo is confident that he can secure a the needed funds from the government.
If Montreal isn't on track for 2011 (which would be extremely short notice), then 2012 would make more sense. Don Garber has also recently stated the the league is looking for candidates for a 20th team, a franchise which could enter with Montreal or come in the following year.
I'm actually just a touch disappointed to hear this news; while I realize that the entry of Portland and Vancouver, as well as the time-frame involved, would make Montreal joining in 2011 a bit of a problem (okay, a fairly large problem), I'm excited to see the Impact in MLS as soon as possible.
Rivalries will make the league more compelling, and Montreal sets up as a perfect rival for several clubs.
