Gerba Lifts Impact at Puerto Rico
September 8, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Montreal Impact News Release
BAYAMON, Puerto Rico - Another pair of goals by striker Ali Gerba (60th and 75th minute) led the Montreal Impact (9-10-7) to a 2-1 victory against the Puerto Rico Islanders (8-9-9), Wednesday, at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium, in Bayamon.
With only four games remaining in regular season play, the Impact is now sixth in the USSF Second Division standings with 34 points, one point ahead of Puerto Rico, and three points behind the Carolina RailHawks.
"This is a very important win for us and we collect three big points," said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "We battled during the whole game. The conditions were not easy, but the players adapted well and showed character by coming back from behind. Our second half substitutions also responded very well. Now we have to go to Miami with the same attitude."
The Impact was losing 1-0 when Ali Gerba tied the match in the 60th minute. Following a pass from David Testo between the Islanders defence, Gerba beat goalkeeper Bill Gaudette with a low shot from inside the 18-yard box.
Gerba then gave a 2-1 lead to the Impact 15 minutes later with a powerful shot from 30 yards out that beat Gaudette in the top corner of the net.
Gerba established a new team record for a third straight match, by scoring two or more goals in a third consecutive game. He has scored seven goals in the last three matches, becoming at the same time the team's leading scorer.
Midfielder Noah Delgado had opened the scoring for the Islanders in the 50th minute of play. Following a blocked shot by an Impact defender, Delgado took advantage of the rebound and beat Impact goalkeepeer Matt Jordan in the top portion of the net.
The Impact hadn't given up a goal in the last 236 minutes of play, while the Islanders ended a goalless stretch of 242 minutes.
Matt Jordan registered a third win in a row. He made a big save off a powerful shot from Noah Delgado in the 40th minute.
Defender Adam Braz left the game in the 85th minute due to cramps to his thigh.
The Impact will play another game on the road, this Saturday in Florida at 7:30pm, against Miami FC. Montreal will play its next home match at Saputo Stadium on Sunday September 19 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. It is still possible to get tickets through the Admission Network (514-790-1245 / 1-800-361-4595 / admission.com) or at the Saputo Stadium box office.
THE LAST 4 GAMES
- Saturday, September 11 - IMPACT @ Miami - Fort Lauderdale Stadium - 7:30pm (miamifc.com)
- Sunday, September 19 - Tampa Bay @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 2pm (radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)
- Friday, September 24 - IMPACT @ Vancouver - Swangard Stadium - 10:30pm (Radio-Canada, whitecapsfc.com)
- Sunday, October 3 - Austin @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium- 2pm (radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)
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U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from September 8, 2010
- Gerba Lifts Impact at Puerto Rico - Montreal Impact
- Whitecaps FC Set for Away Match Against Palace Baltimore - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Crystal Palace Baltimore to Face Vancouver Whitecaps - Crystal Palace Baltimore
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