Impact Take Shootout Loss
August 4, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Montreal Impact News Release
MONTREAL - After an impressive performance against FC Girondins de Bordeaux, the Montreal Impact stood up to yet another top world class club, Tuesday, with a 2-1 loss decided on shootouts, against first division Argentinean club CA River Plate, in front of 11,738 spectators who braved pouring rain at Saputo Stadium. This was the last of six international matches presented this summer in Montreal.
Following the team's 1-1 tie after 90 minutes of play, River Plate took over 3-1 in the 4th round of the shootout.
"This is a historic match for Montreal. A tie against River Plate will remain in history," said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "We are well, we are healthy and if we continue to act this way on the field, we will win our games. We were consistently well organized on defense and dangerous around the goal. We now simply need to capitalize on our occasions."
As the Impact was trailing 1-0, forward Roberto Brown scored the tying goal at the 64th minute. Following a cross from the right wing, midfielder Rocco Placentino relayed the ball to Brown, who despite being blocked by a River Plate defender, managed to fire a low shot ably placed to the right of goalkeeper Gonzalo Marinelli.
"It was exciting to play against an Argentinean team," mentioned midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo, who was named the Impact Player of the Match. "We tied the game after playing a good game and that is the most important thing. We showed that we can play against a team of any level. If we play like today in our league matches, we'll do well."
International Argentinean forward Christian Fabbiani had opened the score for River Plate at the 21st minute. On a cross from the right flank from defender Maximiliano Coronel, headed by midfielder Diego Buonanotte in the six-yard area, Fabbiani finished the action with a strike from the ground, before goalkeeper Matt Jordan was able to seize the ball.
This was the final of three international friendly matches for River Plate in the course of a pre-season tour in Canada. After friendly games against Toronto FC (MLS) and English Premier League club Everton, in Edmonton, River Plate fielded its best elements, to the exception of goalkeeper Mario Daniel Vega, midfielder Marcelo Daniel Gallardo and forward Daniel Ortega.
Goalkeeper Matt Jordan, who had played against FC Girondins de Bordeaux, last Tuesday, faced five shots. In the penalty shootout, Jordan made one save.
Defender Cédric Joqueviel came back to the game Tuesday, after missing the last 19 matches due to a thigh injury. This was his first start since May 17 against Austin.
Defender Stefano Pesoli (knee), as well as midfielders Mauro Biello (thigh), Stephen deRoux (cheek), Félix Brillant (knee) and Patrick Leduc (foot) were not on the lineup as they are currently nursing injuries.
In the second half, the Montreal Impact made six changes, including two players currently trying out with the team, Portuguese midfielder Deodato and French midfielder Faissal Zaghar, who took part in their first match in the Montreal uniform.
A reminder that CA River Plate has won 33 Argentinean championships and five international cups since its foundation in 1901.
The Montreal Impact will play its next match against the Minnesota Thunder, at Saputo Stadium, at 3:30 pm (Radio-Canada, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com).
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
12th minute - On a ball poorly cleared by the River Plate defense, midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo fired a left footed shot 25 meters out that went just above the goal.
36th minute - Following a cross from Roberto Brown, Leonardo Di Lorenzo controlled the ball before taking a point blank shot to the far post that went just to the right of the goal, having defeated goalkeeper Gonzalo Marinelli.
PENALTY KICKS
RIVER PLATE :
Abelairas - goal
Ferrari - goal
Bou - goal
Lamela - save
IMPACT :
Pizzolitto - goal
Braz - save
Di Lorenzo - missed
Sebrango - missed
NEXT MATCHES
- Sunday, August 9 - Minnesota @ IMPACT -Saputo Stadium - 3:30 pm (Radio-Canada, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com)
- Wednesday, August 12 - Portland @ IMPACT -Saputo Stadium - 7:30 pm (CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com)
- Saturday, August 15 - IMPACT vs Puerto Rico - Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium - 8 pm (USLlive.com)
USL First Division Stories from August 4, 2009
- USL-1 Islanders advance in Champions League - USL-1
- Impact Take Shootout Loss - Montreal Impact
- Timbers' Pore Selected to Team of the Week - Portland Timbers
- Evan Bush Named To USL-1 Team of the Week - Cleveland City Stars
- Week 17 pro honors announced - USL-1
- Kabwe named to USL-1 Team of the Week - North Carolina FC
- RailHawks meet Rochester with shot at first place - North Carolina FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
