Impact shutout Vancouver
Published on September 25, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Montreal Impact News Release
BURNABY, British-Columbia - In its second to last regular season game, the Montreal Impact (11-11-7, 40 PTS) shutout the Vancouver Whitecaps (10-5-14, 44 PTS) 1-0, Friday, at Swangard Stadium, in Burnaby.
The Impact scored the game's only goal in the 29th minute of play when forward Eduardo Sebrango headed the ball past goalkeeper Jay Nolly, originating from a cross by defender Adam Braz, to score his 5th goal of the season. On the play, Nolly deflected Sebrango's shot with his right hand onto the post, but couldn't manage to keep what would be the forward's 100th career point with the Impact.
"We played a very good game against an excellent team," said Sebrango. "Adam made a great cross on the goal and there was no way I was going to miss a chance like that. After a tough start this season, I am happy to be contributing to the team's recent success and I am proud of this accomplishment."
With the win, the Impact remains in 6th place in the USSF's Second division overall standings with 40 points, tied with the Minnesota Stars (30GP), one point behind the Carolina RailHawks (28GP).
The Impact has now won five of its last six games. During this stretch, the Impact has scored 14 goals and has allowed only three. The club also managed its first victory in six matches against Vancouver in 2010 (1-2-3).
The matchup between the two Canadian rivals was marked with a total of seven yellow cards. Whitecaps' midfielder Gershon Koffie was also ejected in the 85th minute following a contact with Leonardo Di Lorenzo.
"It felt like a playoff game tonight," said head coach Marc Dos Santos. "We knew that the Whitecaps wanted to win to remain in the race for first place in our division but we were ready. On our side, we want to end the season on a successful note. Tonight we won the game with a lot of character."
Goalkeeper Matt Jordan faced six shots and intercepted multiple crosses by the Whitecaps. He most notably stopped a Davide Chiumiento 25-yard free kick to earn his 6th career shutout. Jordan was playing his 80th career game with the Impact, tying Paolo Ceccarelli for second all-time on the club's games played list for goalkeepers.
Team captain Nevio Pizzolitto became the 4th Impact player to reach the 2,000 minutes played plateau this season, joining Philippe Billy, Tony Donatelli and Hicham Aaboubou. Pizzolitto has realized the exploit for the 5th time of his career.
The Impact will close out its regular season on October 3 at Saputo Stadium against the Austin Aztex. Tickets are still available for the match via the Admission network (514-790-1245 / 1-800-361-4595 / admission.com) or through the Saputo Stadium ticket office.
Elsewhere, the Impact Academy will play its last game of the regular season on Saturday, against the Toronto FC Academy, at Saputo Stadium, at 1 pm.
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from September 25, 2010
- Aztex Regain Control of First Place With Home Victory - Austin Aztex
- RailHawks Top Islanders 2-1 - North Carolina FC
- Dike Nets Two Goals as Timbers Run Unbeaten Streak to Nine Games - Crystal Palace Baltimore
- Timbers Extend Unbeaten Streak in 3-1 Win Over Baltimore - Portland Timbers
- Impact shutout Vancouver - Montreal Impact
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