Impact Are 2009 Champions Of USL-1
October 17, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Montreal Impact News Release
MONTREAL - The Montreal Impact has clinched the third championship of its history, Saturday, at Saputo Stadium, in front of a sellout crowd of 13,034 at Saputo Stadium, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1, (6-3 on aggregate goals), in the First Division USL final championship.
"Since the start, our intention was to become champions," noted Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. We showed up today with the right attitude and adapted well to the different situations that came up on the field. I'm very proud of my team and I think we deserve what we are living today."
Midfielder Tony Donatelli scored the first goal of the game on a penalty at the 30th minute. Donatelli scored his third goal in the playoffs with a low shot that beat goalkeeper Jay Nolly to his right. On the previous sequence, defender Shaun Pejic had illegally tackled forward Roberto Brown in the penalty box. Pejic was ejected from the game for this fault, allowing the Montreal Impact to play with a one-man advantage on the field as of the 29th minute.
Montreal then doubled the lead at the 40th minute. On a deep pass from Roberto Brown, which was executed with the exterior of the foot, Joey Gjertsen scored in the top corner of the goal, to the left of Nolly.
Less than two minutes later, Roberto Brown scored a third goal for the Impact. Brown accepted a short pass from behind from Peter Byers inside the 18-yard box, and fired a high shot that found the back of the net in the opposite corner.
At the 44th minute, Whitecaps midfielder Ansu Toure narrowed the lead by finishing off with a header an action started on the left flank by forward Marlon James. Posted near the goal line, Toure's head shot left no chance to goalkeeper Matt Jordan.
Goalkeeper Matt Jordan improved the team record with nine career wins in the playoffs with the Impact and earned six consecutive wins in the 2009 playoffs.
"This season has been such an emotional rollercoaster," declared Matt Jordan. "Regardless of what happened this season, we continued to fight and I believe we really deserve to be champions. We worked hard as a team not only during this game, but throughout the season. It's an honour to have won this final for the organization and for the fans."
This was the third championship with the Impact for veterans Mauro Biello and Nevio Pizzolitto, and a second for Adam Braz, Patrick Leduc and Eduardo Sebrango. This was Sebrango's fifth career title in the USL-1, representing a new league record.
"For part of the season, we were at the bottom of the standings, but we proved we were the best team of the USL," declared Nevio Pizzolitto. "Winning this championship wasn't about luck. It was thanks to our hard work that we succeeded. We climbed up and we deserved this win. We are so happy."
Mauro Biello entered the game at the 80th minute and was welcomed with a standing ovation from the crowd. He played his 40th career match in the playoffs with the Impact, while Patrick Leduc and Adam Braz are both at their 20th game.
"This season has been unique," mentioned team captain Mauro Biello. "We went through difficult circumstances, but we always managed to react well and come back on the right track. I think we really grew up as a team and in character, and it's amazing to celebrate yet another championship with this great team."
Montreal had earned its first two titles in 1994 and 2004.
Details of the upcoming championship festivities to be held in Montreal will be unveiled shortly.
USL First Division Stories from October 17, 2009
- Generals fall 1-3 - FC New York
- Whitecaps Fall to Montreal Impact 3-1 - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Impact Are 2009 Champions Of USL-1 - Montreal Impact
- Montreal Wins USL-1 Title - USL-1
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