Impact Conclude Italy Slate with 1-0 Win
Published on February 12, 2009 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Montreal Impact News Release
PRATO, Italy - A goal from forward Eduardo Sebrango in the first half allowed the Montreal Impact to conclude its two-week camp on Italian soil with a 1-0 shutout against Italian fourth division team AC Prato (Serie C2), Thursday, at Stadio Lungo Bisenzio, in Prato. The Impact leaves Italy undefeated in five preseason games with a record of three wins and two ties, having conceded only one goal to the opponent.
Sebrango scored the lone goal of the game in the 41st minute. After a long free kick from inside the Impact territory, played quickly by midfielder Sandro Grande, Sebrango controlled the ball on the left flank, ran a few meters, then from inside the box, took a shot that was deflected by a defender, beating the Italian goalkeeper with a lob.
"We played an excellent game today," said head coach John Limniatis. "We did well in every aspect of the game, in addition to the great effort made by all players. We are not at 100% but we are on the right track. We showed today that we have progressed since the beginning of camp."
"This was a good test for us against an excellent team," said midfielder Sandro Grande. "The plan was to come here to get in shape and that's exactly what we did. Finishing camp with a victory is a good thing because it allows us to keep a positive atmosphere in the locker room. Hopefully all this hard work will show during our big game in less than two weeks."
Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan registered the shutout. He notably stood out in the 43rd minute, blocking Carlo Ferrario's shot from the penalty spot by diving to his right.
Seven of the 11 players selected by John Limniatis played all 90 minutes of the game.
The Impact, which stayed two weeks in Fiesole, Italy, will be back in Quebec, Friday at 3:15 pm, at Montreal-Trudeau Airport.
The club will continue its daily trainings in Montreal in preparation for the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series.
USL First Division Stories from February 12, 2009
- Timbers Add Three to 2009 Roster - Portland Timbers
- Impact Conclude Italy Slate with 1-0 Win - Montreal Impact
- RailHawks Announce Promotion with Y102.9FM - North Carolina FC
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