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DAVID TESTO RECEIVES THE GIUSEPPE-SAPUTO TROPHY
MONTREAL — Midfielder David Testo received the Giuseppe-Saputo Trophy, presented to the Montreal Impact’s Most Valuable Player, Tuesday, at the Bain Mathieu, during the team’s 2009 awards banquet. Defender Nevio Pizzolitto was recognized Defensive Player of the Year, defender Stephen deRoux received the Newcomer of the Year Award, while defender Adam Braz was the recipient of the Unsung Hero Award.
DAVID TESTO: MOST VALUABLE PLAYER (GIUSEPPE-SAPUTO TROPHY)
• In his third season with the Impact, this 28-year-old American midfielder stood out for his physical and flawless style of play.
• He was selected to the All-League Second Team of the Year for the first time in his career.
• Was the most active Impact player during the season, playing 26 matches, all as a starter, for a total of 2,235 minutes of play.
• As a defensive player, he tallied one goal and one assist, and led the team with 38 fouls.
• Technical Director Nick De Santis: “David has shown exemplary consistency, leadership, hard work and perseverance. He has always believed in the team and he enjoys the respect of his teammates. He is a key element on the roster and evolves in an important position in which he plays outstandingly well. Throughout the season, he has made his teammates believe he was always there to carry the team.”
NEVIO PIZZOLITTO: DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• In his 16th season in the league, his 15th in Montreal, this 33-year-old Quebec defender is among the players who has been most constant throughout the season in the position of central defender.
• He played almost 2,000 minutes in 21 starts, and scored one game-winning goal against Miami, on June 23.
• He will set his sights on a third championship with the Impact.
• Technical Director Nick De Santis: “His age, experience and leadership qualities showed all season long. Nevio played through injuries and he is one of the top central defenders of the league. He not only stands out in his position, but also as a well-rounded individual in the team. He fully deserves this recognition.”
STEPHEN DEROUX: NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
• In his first season with the Impact, this 25-year-old Jamaican player has been a key element of the Montreal defense.
• He was selected to the All-League Second Team of the Year.
• Despite a cheekbone fracture that kept him away from the game for seven matches, he played a total of 22 games this season.
• His speed and his aptitude to support the attack were assets for the Impact on the left flank.
• Technical Director Nick De Santis: “Among all the new players who have joined us this season, deRoux has been the most on the spotlight. Despite a slow start to his season in Montreal, he came through as one of our best defenders. His attacking style and nonstop energy have made him one of the most spectacular players of the team. He brings enormous speed and energy in the backline.”
ADAM BRAZ: UNSUNG HERO
•In his 6th season with the Impact, this 28-year-old Quebec defender has played a total of 22 matches, including 18 starts, for nearly 1,700 minutes of play.
• After missing one month due to a thigh injury, he came back strong in July to help the team qualify for the playoffs.
• He is renowned for his physical play, his character and his involvement in the team.
• He was selected three times on the league’s Team of the Week.
• Technical Director Nick De Santis: “Braz is a player who goes a lot unnoticed, yet he plays a very important role in defense. “His style is characterized by consistency and intelligence. His ability to play against and neutralize some of the most dangerous players in the league has made him key to the team’s success.”
PHOTOS PÉPÉ
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668, Ext. 227
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