Impact Gain Tie to End Portugal Stay
March 4, 2010 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Montreal Impact News Release
PORTO, Portugal - The Impact concluded its stay in Portugal with a 1-1 draw against prestigious Portuguese club Boavista FC, Thursday afternoon, at Estadio do Bessa, in Porto.
The Impact opened the scoring at the 19th minute. Midfielder Tyler Hemming unleashed a free kick to the far post from about 25 metres out, and from inside the box, Philippe Billy directed the ball to forward Eduardo Sebrango, who deflected it in from near the goal line.
"We played a very good game," said Billy. "We circulated the ball well versus an excellent team and had a lot of fun playing in this beautiful stadium. I think we're starting to find our rhythm. We're getting to know each other more and more on the pitch, which is making it easier to find each other."
At the 44th minute, Boavista forward Alex Machado scored the tying goal from six metres out, deflecting a cross from the right flank.
"I think we delivered our best performance of the three exhibition games we've played in Portugal," noted Jordan. "It felt like our opponents took advantage of all the changes we were making in the two previous games, but not today. This was a nice way to wrap up our trip."
The Impact dominated the first half, while Boavista had the first couple of scoring chances in the second half.
Impact forward Reda Agourram, who entered the game in the 55th minute, came very close to giving the Impact the lead. After taking a pass from Roberto Brown behind Boavista's back line, Agourram took a powerful shot that the goalkeeper deflected just over the net.
"This was another special match and we played very well defensively," noted Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "We had the best chances in the first and managed to score, while they found a way to score while no one was expecting it. It was tough physically because we had played yesterday but the players answered well."
"I'm very satisfied with our trip. We played high level matches and we can go home feeling that our mission was accomplished," concluded Dos Santos.
The Impact concluded its camp in Portugal with a record of one win (5-1 versus Freamunde), one loss (2-1 versus Celta de Vigo) and one draw (1-1 versus Boavista).
The club returns home on Friday at 6pm and will resume training at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard as of next Wednesday, March 10th.
North American Soccer League Stories from March 4, 2010
- Rhinos Winter Classic Schedule Of Events For March 6th - Rochester Rhinos
- Impact Gain Tie to End Portugal Stay - Montreal Impact
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