Impact shuts out Rhinos
Published on August 27, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Montreal Impact News Release
MONTREAL - The Montreal Impact (8-10-7) shutout the league leading Rochester Rhinos (14-6-6) by a 2-0 score, Friday, in front of a sellout crowd of 13,034 spectators at Saputo Stadium.
"We played a good game tonight," said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "We implemented the game principles that we practiced over and over again in training. We were ready, we were disciplined tactically, we defended set pieces and counter attacks well. Now, we must remain humble and continue with the same intensity because we still have a lot of work to do."
Forward Ali Gerba, who scored the clubs first ever regular season hat trick against Baltimore last game, managed another two goals against the Rhinos (1st and 81st minutes).
Gerba opened the scoring after only 18 seconds, establishing a new team record. On the line of the six-yard box, Gerba deflected a cross into the goal from Leonardo Di Lorenzo, which originated from the left flank.
Gerba then doubled the Impact lead near the end of the second half, when he was posted inside the penalty area. Taking a pass from Antonio Ribeiro in midfield, Gerba spun around and fired a low, left-footed shot that beat the Rhinos goalkeeper Neal Kitson.
"This win tonight was due to a solid team effort," said Gerba. "We were a united team and we were able to take advantage of our opportunities. We have to continue working hard during training and this will help us get to the playoffs."
Matt Jordan earned his 4th shutout of the season and the 30th of his career with the Impact, after facing nine shots. Jordan excelled on a shot from the Rhinos top scorer Isaac Kissi that hit the post to goalkeeper's right in the 67th minute, after Jordan managed to get a finger on the ball.
"We knew this was going to be an important game tonight," noted Impact team captain Nevio Pizzolitto. "We played well defensively, offensively and collectively throughout the entire game. This second win in a row is very positive. We sent a message that our season is far from over and no game against us will be an easy one."
With this victory and a total of 31 points, the Impact climbed to 6th place in the USSF Second division standings, two points ahead of the Puerto Rico Islanders.
The Impact also ended the Rhinos six-game winning streak.
Tony Donatelli (2,027 minutes) and Philippe Billy (2,018 minutes) became the first two players to hit the 2,000 minutes played plateau this season.
Forward Eduardo Sebrango started his 100th career game with the Impact, while midfielder Patrick Leduc tied Nick De Santis for third place on the clubs all-time games played list with 219.
The Impact played to a sold out crowd for the 5th time this season, with 13,034 tickets sold.
The Impact scored a goal in the first minute of play for the third time in club history. Jean Harbor, on July 29, 1994, and Mauro Biello, on July 2, 2003, managed the same feat.
The Impact will play its next two games on the road, on Wednesday, September 8 in Puerto Rico and on Saturday, September 11 in Miami. The next game at Saputo Stadium is scheduled for Sunday, September 19, against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Tickets are still available via the Admission box office (514-790-1245 / 1-800-361-4595 / admission.com) or through the Impact ticket office.
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from August 27, 2010
- Impact shuts out Rhinos - Montreal Impact
- Rhinos Lose in Montreal, 2-0 - Rochester Rhinos
- AC St. Louis Head to Tampa - AC St. Louis
- RailHawks Host Puerto Rico Islanders Saturday Night - North Carolina FC
- Timbers Battle Aztex to 1-1 Draw at PGE Park - Portland Timbers
- Aztex Steal a Draw at Portland - Austin Aztex
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