Impact score 2-0 win over Portland
Published on September 8, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Montreal Impact News Release
MONTREAL - The Montreal Impact (10-10-5; 38 points) shut out the Portland Timbers (7-11-10; 31 points) 2-0, Monday, at Saputo Stadium. Midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo (13th minute) and forward Peter Byers (45th minute) scored in the first half.
"I think this was the toughest win of the season," said Impact head coach John Limniatis. " It's not easy to play with all those changes in the lineup. We have to live with our schedule, but then again, it's not easy for any team in the league. We are fighting for a playoff spot so we improved our position."
Midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo opened the score at the 13th minute of play. Following a corner kick from midfielder Joey Gjertsen, cleared with a header by the Portland defense, Di Lorenzo took a powerful volley of about 25 meters in the top left corner, leaving no chance to goalkeeper Chase Harrison.
Byers doubled Montreal's lead in the first half. After outplaying two Timbers defenders in the center lane, Byers went alone in front of Harrison and beat him with a low shot to his right.
"I'm happy to have scored tonight and helped the team win," said Byers. "We needed the win and we knew the Timbers were going to come at us. I like it here, I'm very happy in Montreal."
With this win, the Montreal Impact is now fifth in the standings, two points behind Rochester and one point behind Seattle, with one more game to play over both teams.
Goalkeeper Matt Jordan registered his eighth shutout this season, as well as his 20th career victory with the Impact.
"It's a huge win for the team," said Jordan. "The game was very physical from the beginning. We are a strong group and we keep on playing better."
This is the Impact's sixth victory in the last eight regular season games (6-1-1).
Defender Nevio Pizzolitto was serving his second of a three-game suspension, while forwards Roberto Brown and Severino Jefferson both missed the game due to knee injuries.
The Montreal Impact will play its next two games on the west coast, Wednesday, in Seattle, and Saturday, in Vancouver. The Impact will play its next home game Wednesday, September 17 against Joe Public FC, in the first group phase game of the CONCACAF Champions League.
USL First Division Stories from September 8, 2008
- Impact score 2-0 win over Portland - Montreal Impact
- Timbers End Road Trip With 2-0 Loss In Montreal - Portland Timbers
- Silverbacks Invite the City's Best to 2008 Atlanta Silverbacks Champions League - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Thunder Hold on to Tie Vancouver 0-0 - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Extra man not enough in 'Caps' draw - Vancouver Whitecaps
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