Impact lose to Puerto Rico

Published on May 2, 2009 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Montreal Impact News Release


BAYAMON, Puerto Rico - In the last game before its home opener at Saputo Stadium, the Montreal Impact (0-2-1) lost 3-2 (halftime 1-1) against the Puerto Rico Islanders (2-0-1), Saturday, at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

"We have played one of our best games since I am coach of this team," said Impact head coach John Limniatis. "We showed excellent offensive and defensive actions, but sometimes the outcome of the game doesn't go your way. We did very well in the first half but once again, a few errors cost us the game."

"It's always difficult to lose that way," said midfielder Kevin Sakuda. "We came back in the game but we are still not getting a point tonight. It's tough to accept."

"Usually when you score two goals in Puerto Rico, you will not lose, added Joey Gjertsen who scored his 20th career goal in the USL First Division. "Their subs came flying in the second half and helped them to win the game."

In the 26th minute of play, midfielder Kevin Sakuda opened the score for the Impact, scoring his first career goal in the Montreal uniform. On the sequence, Roberto Brown made a short pass to Eduardo Sebrango, who immediately relayed it with a header to Kevin Sakuda, behind the Islanders defense. Sakuda ran over a few meters before executing a point blank shot that left no chance to Islanders goalkeeper Bill Gaudette.

Islanders defender John Krause netted an equalizing goal at the 38th minute. Krause deflected with a header midfielder Sandi Gbandi's corner kick.

Gbandi (61st minute) then gave the lead to the Islanders in the second half, deflecting with a header to the near post the cross from defender Christian Arrieta, beating Matt Jordan to his left.

Less than five minutes after entering the game, midfielder Joey Gjertsen scored an equalizer at the 77th minute, taking advantage of a free ball following midfielder Rocco Placentino's centering pass. Gjertsen beat goalkeeper Bill Gaudette with a low left foot shot.

Forward Kendal Jagdeosingh scored the game-winning goal at the 82nd minute, following a pass from Fabrice Noel that bounced over Jordan. Jagdeosingh easily netted the ball in an empty goal.

Defender Cédric Joqueviel, who missed the last game in Charleston due to a light ankle sprain, started the game.

The Montreal Impact will play its home opener at Saputo Stadium, Saturday, May 9, against the Rochester Rhinos (3:30 pm, Radio-Canada, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com). Season tickets are still available by calling 514-328-3668.

HIGHLIGHTS 19th minute - Forward Eduardo Sebrango made a ground pass to David Testo that went directly to midfielder Tony Donatelli, who took a low shot to the near post from inside the 18-yard box, but goalkeeper Bill Gaudette dove to his left to make the save.

23rd minute - Islanders midfielder Andres Cabrero controlled the ball on the left flank and fired a strong shot from about 25 meters that grazed the Impact net.

25th minute - Midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo deflected with a header Adam Braz's centering pass, just above the Islanders goal.

34th minute - Forward Eduardo Sebrango accepted a short pass and took a high 20-meter shot but it deflected off Islanders goalkeeper's fingertips, who dove to his left.

89th minute - Joey Gjertsen fired a low shot, but goalkeeper Bill Gaudette leaped to his left to stop the ball on the goal line.

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USL First Division Stories from May 2, 2009


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