Mixed feelings over Impact name change

Montreal FC rumoured to be the new name for MLS franchise

MONTREAL— Pino Asaro suggested at least five different names for the newest Montreal soccer franchise in 1992. None of them were the Impact.

But nearly 30 years later, the team’s first general manager is sad about the possibility of a name change. “Part of my heart is tattooed with the Montreal Impact logo,” Asaro said.

A reported change of Major League Soccer’s Montreal team name has incited mixed opinions from Asaro, the team’s fan base, and even a member of Quebec’s national assembly. According to a report from Radio-Canada, the Impact want to change their name to Montreal FC. In response, a petition to keep the name started by the Montreal Impact Supporters Association has garnered nearly 2,000 signatures.

The group says a name change would cause a “rift” between the team and its base.

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, the leader of Quebec’s Parti Québécois, tweeted “non merci” in response to the reported name change. “I much prefer the Montreal Impact,” he added, in French.

An Impact team official declined to confirm whether the team will be changing its name, telling The Canadian Press that the club is not “commenting on rumours.”

Six of the 26 MLS teams have no team name other than FC or SC before or after their respective city, including Toronto FC.

The Impact have had their name since 1992, when the club was formed for the American Professional Soccer League following the dissolution of the Montreal Supra franchise.