Baltimore Too Much for Impact Sunday
Published on July 18, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Montreal Impact News Release
MONTREAL - The Montreal Impact (5-7-5) fell 2-1 to Baltimore Crystal Palace (5-8-4), Sunday, in front of 13,034 spectators at Saputo Stadium. This was the first-ever match between the two clubs.
"The result is inexcusable," noted Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "We were highly motivated when we took the field today and were able to score a quick goal, but we committed some errors that cost us the match. We have to work harder defensively in order to avoid conceding so many goals. Allowing 15 goals over our last 10 games is far too many."
The Impact opened the scoring in the 3rd minute of play. After taking a pass from Tony Donatelli, Leonardo Di Lorenzo slid past defender Korey Veeder and midfielder Daniel Lader and unleashed a shot into the top of the net from about six metres out, leaving no chance for goalkeeper Evan Bush.
That was Di Lorenzo's first goal of the season and 10th of his career, in what happened to be his 100th career regular season start with the Impact. Di Lorenzo left the match in the 54th minute with an injury to his left calf.
Crystal Palace evened the score in the 45th minute. After knocking down Reda Agourram in Montreal territory, Baltimore defender Andrew Marshall passed the ball to forward Gary Brooks. Brooks took a powerful shot from roughly 25 metres out that beat goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic to his right. Djekanovic didnt even move as he believed a foul would be called on the play.
Crystal Palace scored the winning goal in the 65th minute. The Impact failed to properly clear a free kick from its defensive zone and defender Shaun Pejic capitalized by taking a low shot that deflected off of Andrew Marshall, before beating Djekanovic to his left.
"Today's result is really disappointing," said Djekanovic. "We surrendered a couple of unfortunate goals and we were not able to capitalize on our scoring chances to tie or win the game. We just have to keep working hard and concentrate on the matches ahead so that we dont keep letting points slip away."
"Our performance today just was not good enough to win the game," said team captain Nevio Pizzolitto. "We have to maintain a desire to win for the full 90 minutes, the same way we did versus Carolina."
Forward Ali Gerba, who joined the Impact on Thursday, made his debut in the 45th minute, coming in for Peter Byers.
Goalkeepers Matt Jordan (groin) and Andrei Badescu (knee), as well as defenders Adam Braz (hip) and Stephen deRoux (cheek) did not take part in the game because of their injuries.
This was the fourth sellout of the season, with 13,034 tickets sold.
The Impact plays its third of four consecutive home games at Saputo Stadium on Wednesday, July 21 versus St. Louis at 7:30pm (radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990). Please note that fans attending that game, as well as on Wednesday, July 28th and Wednesday, August 11th will benefit from a promotion offering Lafleur hot dogs for only a dollar, from when the gates open at 6pm until kickoff. Tickets are still available for those games via the Admission Network (514-790-1245 / 1-800-361-4595 / admission.com), as well at the Saputo Stadium box office.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
8th minute - Midfielder Takuro Nishimura struck the ball on the volley from point-blank range, but Srdjan Djekanovic dove to his right to make the save.
36th minute - Following a quick exchange between David Testo, Tony Donatelli and Reda Agourram, the rookie forward took a low shot from inside the area, but the Crystal Palace goalkeeper was able to get down to make the save.
60th minute - Midfielder Tsuyoshi Yoshitake got past the Impact defensive line and took a powerful low shot, but Djekanovic was equal to the task.
NEXT THREE GAMES
- Wednesday, July 21 - St.Louis @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 7:30 pm (radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)
- Wednesday, July 28 - Vancouver @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 7:30 pm (radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)
- Saturday July 31 - IMPACT @ Baltimore - UMBC Stadium - 7 pm (palacebaltimore.com)
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from July 18, 2010
- Palace Baltimore Withstands Impact - Crystal Palace Baltimore
- Baltimore Too Much for Impact Sunday - Montreal Impact
- Manchester City Tops Timbers 3-0 at Merlo Field - Portland Timbers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
