Gerba free to leave Impact, but no takers so far By Steven Sandor Posted on December 21, 2011 Comments Off on Gerba free to leave Impact, but no takers so far 0 649 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Ali Gerba The Montreal Impact has made it clear that striker Ali Gerba is free to go to another club. But, so far, there have been no takers. Gerba was one of many Impact players who was informed after the season that he won’t be back with the club for its 2012 debut in MLS. But, if he can’t find another job, he will get paid in 2012. “Ali does not have an official MLS contract,” the club stated. “The deal he signed in 2010 did not guarantee him a spot on the 2012 roster in MLS. But the agreement will be honoured by the club and we will pay him in 2012 until he gets a contract with another club. He is free and available to play anywhere but at this point no club has contacted the Impact inquiring for his services.” It’s clear that Montreal would like to see the striker move on. Why would any club want to pay a player to sit at home? But the key is for Gerba to find a team to call home and for an agreement to be reached. When general managers cut players, it’s generally not out of spite or vindictiveness. It’s just the business of sport. In fact, there are many who would actually try and help players find new homes with other clubs. There are GMs who act as references for players that they’ve had to cut. Gerba scored two goals in NASL this past season — both against FC Edmonton in the Alberta club’s May 1 home opener. Even though he was called up to the national team for the Gold Cup, he wasn’t a big factor in the NASL season.
