DelPiccolo signs deal with the Impact

The Montreal Impact’s second-round SuperDraft flyer on Paolo DelPiccolo looks to have paid off. On Friday, the Impact announced the signing of the former University of Louisville midfielder, who had played two MLS Reserve League games with the Impact and in the U21 team’s friendly against Haiti. DelPiccolo was selected in the draft, even though the Impact — like most other MLS organizations — knew the player was leaning towards Europe. But the Impact felt that securing his North American rights was worth the gamble. DelPiccolo went to Germany and played a couple of games for Eintracht Frankfurt’s U-23 side, but came back to North America, where he began a trial with Montreal. He now has that contract. While DelPiccolo will be a depth player at the outset of his MLS career, there’s no doubt that Impact coach Marco Schallibaum needs to bring fresh legs into his lineup. The Impact have looked like a tired squad in its last two games — and has surrendered seven goals over the course of those matches to Colorado and Toronto. And it’s not like either of those sides are among MLS’s offensive juggernauts. With so many thirtysomethings in the starting XI, the questions have begun on if the Impact can make it through the tough MLS summer, when the heat and schedule sap teams that don’t have depth. And, with the CONCACAF Champions League schedule kicking off in a month, the Impact will need fresh legs. RELATED: Impact draft pick Del Piccolo to remain with Eintracht Frankfurt (CLICK)