Impact Take 1-0 Victory over Portland
May 19, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Montreal Impact News Release
PORTLAND - A goal from Tony Donatelli at the 31st minute allowed the Montreal Impact to register a first win in Portland since August 31, 2006, with a 1-0 victory over the Timbers, on Wednesday evening at PGE Park. The Impact returns from a two-match sequence on the west coast with four points out of a maximum of six. The Impact remains undefeated in its last five matches in the USSF Second Division and takes the lead in the NASL division, two points ahead of Vancouver.
"We suffered tonight, but the guys were ready to sacrifice themselves," declared Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "They put a lot of pressure on us, especially at the end of the game but we were able to ward off the danger. Our ability to defend as a unit is getting better each game."
The Impact also ended a four-game winless sequence versus the Timbers. The Montreal team improved its lifetime record against Portland, which is now 4-8-3 (8GF - 16GA).
"Portland isn't just any team. This is the same club that played 25 consecutive matches without losing last year," stressed Dos Santos. "It's never easy to win here. The objective was to come back home in first position and we can say mission accomplished."
Donatelli scored his first goal of the season after a sequence of passes in the opponent's territory, which he completed by striking Rocco Placentino's pass with a volley shot. Donatelli's goal was the Impact's first goal on the road and the first goal scored in the first half.
"We scored following an excellent offensive sequence," noted Dos Santos. "It was a great possession sequence between several players, which was finished off by Donatelli. We work a lot on this principle and it's satisfying to score this way."
Midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo was playing his 100th career match with the Impact.
The Impact, which is playing nine matches in May, modified its starting lineup. Goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic, defender Cédric Joqueviel, midfielder Tyler Hemming and forward Eduardo Sebrango started the game.
Djekanovic obtained his second clean sheet in as many regular season matches.
The Timbers came close to equalizing at the 82nd minute. Following midfielder Ryan Pore's free kick from 25 meters out, the ball was deflected by midfielder James Marcelin in front of the goal directly on the crossbar.
The Impact will be back in Montreal Thursday and will play its next game against Serie A Italian club Fiorentina this Sunday, at 2 pm, at Saputo Stadium.
Excellent tickets are still available and are currently on sale through Admission (514-790-1245 / admission.com), as well as at the Saputo Stadium ticketing office. For information on group rates, please dial 514.328.3668. Top two category ticket holders will get the chance to attend Fiorentina's training session Saturday at 6 pm, at Saputo Stadium.
Just like Vancouver, Portland will join MLS in 2011. Montreal acquired the 19th team in the MLS. The club will debut its activities in 2012, at Saputo Stadium, which will be expanded to 20,000 seats. Only 5,000 places are available on presale on a priority list with a $50 deposit per ticket. To reserve a seat, visit montrealmls2012.com.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
22nd minute - Goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic made a strong diving save and cut off an exchange between Timbers forwards Mandjou Keita and O.J. Obatola.
76th minute - Midfielder Brian Farber flicked with his head Takayuki Suzuki's cross from the left flank, but the ball went just to the left of the Impact goal.
THE NEXT 3 MATCHES:
- Sunday, May 23 - Fiorentina @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 2 pm (CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)**
- Wednesday, May 26 - Vancouver @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 8 pm (Sportsnet, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)*
- Sunday, May 30 - Carolina @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 2 pm (Radio-Canada, radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)
* Nutrilite Canadian Championship match
** International match
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from May 19, 2010
- Impact Take 1-0 Victory over Portland - Montreal Impact
- Palace End Road Trip with Win in Rochester - Crystal Palace Baltimore
- Aztex Battle to Second Consecutive Draw Against Tampa Bay - Austin Aztex
- "We Are Very Motivated!" - Sebastien Frey - Montreal Impact
- New Schedule For Impact And Fiorentina - Montreal Impact
- Whitecaps FC World Soccer Challenge Offers Fans A Chance To Win $1,000,000! - Vancouver Whitecaps
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