The Montreal Impact has announced the signing of “Piscu” — Spanish central defender Adrian Lopez Rodriguez.

That’s not to blame Payne for the Forlan mess. The sexy DP is a key part of the strategy of Maple Leaf Sports and President Tim Leiweke, who is quickly finding that selling star players on the notion of coming to a last-place team in Canada isn’t quite as easy as selling them on the rock-star lifestyle of Los Angeles. Let’s face it, Cherry Beach ain’t the Santa Monica Pier.

“We’re going through a bit of a tough phase at the moment. There’s a lot of physical fatigue and a bit of mental fatigue as well. It’s a long season and you have to expect some periods like the one we’re going through but we have to stay the course and play through them,” said Camara.

In fact, Bologna didn’t use the term “loan,” but “transfer on a provisional basis.” So, for De Santis and co., it’s a case of try before you buy.

While Toronto FC works on bringing in new players from Argentina, the rival Montreal Impact announced a loan deal to bring in 19-year-old midfielder Maximiliano Rodriguez from Argentinos Juniors.

Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, who just returned to the Impact after playing in goal for Canada's U-20 team at the CONCACAF Championships, has been moved from the Academy to the senior team.

The Montreal Impact has added two more homegrown products to its roster.

The Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecaps are each less than a week away from the starts of their regular-season campaigns. And both made moves Monday that will add some depth to their rosters.

The Montreal Impact made a low-risk move Thursday, bringing in Argentine winger Andres Fabricio Romero in on loan for the 2013 season.

According to Del Piccolo’s agent, via Twitter, the Impact “retain DelPiccolo's MLS rights. IMFC have been very supportive and we remain on good terms with an eye on the future.”