Impact win over Austin
October 9, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Montreal Impact News Release
AUSTIN, Texas - Striker Ali Gerba scored twice again (4th and 49th minute) and Eduardo Sebrango scored another game-winning goal (89th minute) to lead the Montreal Impact to a 3-2 win against the Austin Aztex, Saturday night at House Park, in Austin to finally win the aggregate-goal series 5-2.
"We have beat a great team in very difficult conditions," said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "I am proud of the collective performance. Everyone contributed and did his job. It's a big win tonight but we now have to go on with the same mentality."
The Impact will then face in semifinal the Carolina RailHawks, which beat the Minnesota Stars 4-0, Saturday in cary (4-0 on aggregates).
The Impact forward Ali Gerba opened the scoring in the 4th minute. Running towards the net, Gerba deflected a free kick to the first post from Philippe Billy.
The Aztex then tied the game in the 43rd minute. While Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan was out of his net, Jamie Watson gave the ball to Maxwell Griffin, who then scored with the back of his head.
Gerba scored his second goal of the game and his 4th of the series in the 49th minute. Following a deep pass from Leonardo Di Lorenzo, Gerba beat Aztex goalkeeper with a precise low shot to his left. Gerba became the first player in club history to score two goals in two consecutive playoff matches.
Forward Eddie Johnson tied it again for Austin in the 58th minute. Following a pass from Lawrence Olum between the Impact defense, Johnson took a shot from inside the 18-yard box, to beat Jordan to his right.
Impact forward Eduardo Sebrango scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute with a powerful shot in the top of the net. It was for Sebrango a 6th game-winner with the Impact.
The Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan notably saved a penalty from Jamie Watson in the 9th minute with a perfect diving save to his left. Jordan then dived to his right in the 18th minute to stop the header of Watson. In the 27th minute, he then saved the point blank shot from Griffin.
Jordan left the game in the 69th minute due to a groin injury. For a second straight match, midfielder David Testo (45th minute) then had to quit the game to a calf injury.
Goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic made a save with his foot in stoppage time.
Impact team captain Nevio Pizzolitto is now first in club history with 2,590 minutes played in playoffs.
The Impact will play the first match of its semifinal series against the Carolina RailHawks Thursday at Saputo Stadium at 7:30pm and will then play the decisive match in Cary, on Sunday October 17. Tickets for Thursday's game will be on sale tomorrow at 12pm via Admission Network (514-790-1245 / 1-800-361-4595 / admission.com).
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from October 9, 2010
- Aztex Record-Setting Season Comes to an End - Austin Aztex
- Impact win over Austin - Montreal Impact
- Stars' season ends with 4-0 loss in North Carolina - Minnesota United FC
- Rhinos Fall 3-2 on Aggregate - Rochester Rhinos
- RailHawks Roll 4-0 Over Minnesota - North Carolina FC
- Whitecaps FC Return to Portland for Second Leg - Vancouver Whitecaps
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