Forward Ali Gerba Named USSF Second Division Player of the Month
Published on September 3, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Montreal Impact News Release
MONTREAL - Montreal Impact forward Ali Gerba was named the USSF Second division Player of the month for August, on Friday, after scoring five goals, including two game-winning goals, while establishing two new team records.
Gerba scored the first ever regular season hat trick in Impact history during a 5-0 win over the Baltimore Crystal Palace, on August 21, in Maryland. The following game, on August 27 at Saputo Stadium, he scored both goals in a 2-0 win over the Rochester Rhinos. He also managed the quickest goal ever scored in club history, scoring 18 seconds from the starting whistle.
"I'm very happy to see my work recognized by the league, however this honour is not my main focus," said Gerba. "I am not playing for individual honours. I am playing to win a championship in Montreal."
Gerba now sits in second place in team scoring with 10 points, two behind Impact midfielder Tony Donatelli. The forward from Quebec and resident of Laval made his return to the Impact on July 15, signing a contract for the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
The league's player of the month award is voted on by a panel of journalists (press, television, radio and web) who cover the league in its 12 different markets.
INTERSQUAD GAME
During a 60 minute intersquad game played Friday morning at Saputo Stadium, forward Marco Terminesi scored two goals and led the Whites to a 3-1 win over the Blue side.
Team captain Nevio Pizzolitto opened the scoring in the 10th minute, redirecting a corner kick from Leonardo Di Lorenzo with his head. Newcomer Marco Terminesi tied the game in the 19th minute, heading in a cross originating from Rocco Placentino down the left flank. Midfielder Filipe Soares put the Whites ahead, scoring on a penalty during extra time of the first half. Then, from inside the six-yard box, Terminesi scored the insurance goal for the Whites in the 54th minute, redirecting a pass from Pierre-Rudolph Mayard.
"We were looking to re-create, as best as possible, a real game situation," said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "Following the cancellation of the game against Antigua, it was important to keep the team active by playing a game with a good level of intensity."
Blue Starting line-up: Jordan, Billy, Pizzolitto, Aaboubou, Braz, Di Lorenzo, Ribeiro, Testo, Donatelli, Le Gall, Gerba
White Starting line-up: Badescu, Pelletier, Charles, Aubey, Senécal, Soares, Placentino, Leduc, Mayard, Terminesi, Agourram
GAME CANCELLED
Keep in mind that the international friendly against the Barracuda FC, scheduled for this Saturday at Saputo Stadium, was cancelled by the club from Antigua on August 20. Ticket holders may be compensated through the initial point of sale, or by contacting the Admission Network (514-790-1245) or the Saputo Stadium ticket office (514-328-3668).
NEXT GAMES
With five games to play this season, the Impact (8-10-7), winners of its last two matches by shutout, is currently in 7th place in league standings. The Impact will play its next two games on the road, on Wednesday, September 8 in Puerto Rico and Saturday, September 11, in Miami. The next game at Saputo Stadium is scheduled for Sunday, September 19 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Tickets are still available via the Admission Network (514-790-1245) or at the Saputo Stadium ticket office (514-328-3668).
CANADA VS HONDURAS
Please note that the Canadian national team is playing an international friendly against CONCACAF rivals Honduras on Tuesday, September 7, at Saputo Stadium, at 7:30pm. Good seats are still available through the Admission Network.
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from September 3, 2010
- Baltimore's Scoreless Streak Stretches to Four Games - Crystal Palace Baltimore
- RailHawks Top Baltimore 3-0 - North Carolina FC
- Whitecaps FC Prepare for Puerto Rico - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Forward Ali Gerba Named USSF Second Division Player of the Month - Montreal Impact
- Whitecaps FC Add Midfielder Koffie - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Austin Signs USL-2 Champion - Austin Aztex
- AC St. Louis Host Miami FC on Sunday - AC St. Louis
- Austin Aiming for First Place with Victory - Austin Aztex
- Timbers Down Puerto Rico on Late Goal by Pore - Portland Timbers
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