Impact rallies from two-goal deficit
Published on July 8, 2007 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Montreal Impact News Release
SHERBROOKE - The Montreal Impact came back from a two-goal deficit to tie the Carolina RailHawks 2-2, Sunday, in front of 8,132 spectators at the Sherbrooke University stadium.
With the Impact trailing 0-2 in the first half, forward Charles Gbeke scored two goals in less than two minutes in the second half (63rd and 65th minute).
"We were not in a good situation but we believed that we could come back into the game," said Gbeke. "I think that it's the team spirit that allowed us to climb up today. We have to continue to work in all games. We put a lot of heart and courage. We are fighting in the hardest moments and that is what allows us to win championships."
RailHawks midfielder Joey Worthen had scored both Carolina goals in the first half (17th and 30th minute).
The game was played 10 vs 10 starting at the 9th minute, after Impact defender Andres Arango and RailHawks forward Anthony Maher were expelled, following a fight.
Impact assistant coach Peter Pinizzotto was coaching the team since coach Nick De Santis served the first of a two-game suspension.
Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan was replaced by Andrew Weber at the beginning of the second half. Jordan suffered a fractured jaw after a collision with Simon Gatti in the first half which led to Carolina's opening goal.
Gabriel Gervais was back in the line-up after having missed the last seven games, following his participation in the Gold Cup and a groin injury. Gervais left the game at the 82nd minute after apparently aggravating his injury. Defender Mauricio Vincello did not play the game since he is also serving the first of a two-game suspension.
"We expected a physical game because we knew they would be tired and we did not want to get into a wrestling match against them," said Gervais, who made two assists. "We fell into their trap in the first half but at the end of the game, we showed who had more class and who was the best team."
Midfielder Antonio Ribeiro reached the 5,000-minutes played mark with the Impact and captain Mauro Biello made a comeback in the starting line-up.
"I think we played well in the first half but we made two mistakes that were costly," said Biello. "We kept going in the second half and we showed attitude and character to get back in the game. We are happy with the result, considering the fact that again, we were playing without a number of regulars in the line-up."
With the tie, the Impact is now three points behind the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Rochester Rhinos who are in first place in USL Division 1 standings, with 27 points.
The two teams will face each other again in Carolina, Friday, July 13 at 7:30 pm (USLlive.com).
USL First Division Stories from July 8, 2007
- Impact rallies from two-goal deficit - Montreal Impact
- RailHawks Tie Impact - North Carolina FC
- Timbers Beat California 3-0 With Three First Half Goals - Portland Timbers
- Vics mauled by tough Timbers, 3-0 - California Victory
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