Impact Ties Aztex
July 26, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Montreal Impact News Release
AUSTIN, Texas - Two goals from Pierre-Rudolph Mayard and Roberto Brown in the second half allowed the Montreal Impact (6-8-4) to tie 2-2 against the Austin Aztex (3-9-7), Saturday, at Nelson Field, in Austin, Texas.
Midfielder Pierre-Rudolph Mayard scored his first career goal with the Impact at the 77th minute. Mayard fired a right footed cannon shot inside the box that defeated goalkeeper Sam Reynolds. Then, at the 89th minute of play, forward Roberto Brown, who entered the game at the 79th minute, deflected with a header a corner kick from midfielder Tony Donatelli.
"We had to show character in the second half to come back the way we did," said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "Today, we did all we could to win. Unfortunately, we let go the three points, but we will take the one we earned. I now understand why some good teams lost here since the heat makes it difficult to play."
"At halftime, Marc told us to keep fighting and to keep believing," said midfielder Stephen deRoux. "It was a tough game tonight. They are used to this weather but for us, it was hard to get accustomed to it. We had the chance to win, but the calls did not go our way. It's a big boost of confidence for the games to come however. We have to build on this tie and win the next game."
The Aztex had previously scored two goals in less than three minutes. On a corner kick executed by midfielder AJ Godbolt, forward Gifton Noel-Williams (66th) deflected the ball with a header to the far post. Godbolt (69th) accepted a pass from Noel-Williams before beating goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic in the top part of the net, while he came out of the goal.
In the last ten minutes, the Impact was refused three goals in close call offside situations.
"Three goals revoked that way, I have never seen it," commented Dos Santos. "I can't wait to watch the replays but to me, it's obvious that the referees contributed in making the game even more difficult."
This is the first time since July 8, 2007 against the Carolina RailHawks that the Impact makes up for a two goal deficit to earn one point.
Goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic played his fourth consecutive match, notably saving at the 82nd minute a strike from forward Jarius Holmes on a breakaway.
Forward Eduardo Sebrango played his 100th career match with the Impact.
Defender Stefano Pesoli and midfielder Félix Brillant did not travel with the team due to light knee injuries. Midfielder Rocco Placentino was also absent due to a light thigh injury.
Both clubs will play once more this season in Montreal, August 23.
The Montreal Impact will play its next match against the FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Tuesday, at 7:30 pm, at Saputo Stadium (CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, radio-canada.ca/sports).
The Impact will play its next season match against Miami FC, next Saturday, in Miami, at 8 pm (USLlive.com).
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
7th minute - After accepting a pass coming from the left flank, forward Eduardo Sebrango fired a point blank shot that goalkeeper Sam Reynolds stopped by diving to the ground.
38th minute - Forward Eddie Johnson took a high shot inside the box that went over the Impact goal.
58th minute - Midfielder David Testo crossed in to the left flank for midfielder Pierre- Rudolph Mayard who went alone in front of Reynolds and attempted to defeat him, but he made the save by diving to the ground.
NEXT MATCHES
- Tuesday, July 28 - Bordeaux @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 7:30 pm (CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, radio-canada.ca/sports)*
- Saturday, August 1 - IMPACT @ Miami - FIU Stadium - 8 pm (USLlive.com)
- Saturday, August 4 - River Plate @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 7:30 pm (CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, radio-canada.ca/sports)*
*International matches
USL First Division Stories from July 26, 2009
- Miami Drops Second Game of Road Trip - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Richardson hat trick propels RailHawks to 4-0 win - North Carolina FC
- Whitecaps Double up Islanders - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Burnley Captures Shootout-Win In Thriller With Timbers - Portland Timbers
- Impact Ties Aztex - Montreal Impact
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.
