Late Pizzolitto Goal Lifts Impact
June 23, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Montreal Impact News Release
MONTREAL - A goal by defender Nevio Pizzolitto at the 80th minute of play allowed the Montreal Impact (5-4-2) to shut out Miami FC (5-6-1) 1-0, Tuesday, in front of 12,676 spectators, at Saputo Stadium.
"It's the kind of game that shapes champions," said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "We were playing our third game in six days, and there comes a point when the mental and physical fatigue starts to build up. But I think our poor performance against Toronto has motivated the team, because we have since earned six points on a possibility of six in the last two home games. Early June, we were last in the standings and today, we are 8 points short of first place."
Pizzolitto scored his first goal of the season by deflecting with a header, from the penalty spot, a corner kick from midfielder Sandro Grande. This marks his first goal since June 28, 2006, in a 1-0 win against Rochester.
« We have been working on stopped plays like corner kicks for a while, said defender Nevio Pizzolitto, who scored the game's winning goal. I was able to get alone in the box and head Sandro's ball in the net. During halftime, we emphasized the importance of keeping the pressure on Miami during the second half. Tonight is a step in the right direction."
Goalkeeper Matt Jordan registered his fourth clean sheet and fourth win this season.
The Impact dominated 9-6 in shots, in a game that yielded few scoring chances for either team.
With the win Tuesday, the Impact is now playing above .500 for the first time this season. Likewise, Montreal has climbed up to fifth position in the USL First Division standings.
Player-coach Mauro Biello came in at the 81st minute of play, replacing Roberto Brown, after having missed the last 13 games due to a clavicle injury.
"I'm glad to have come back on the pitch after such a long absence," said Mauro Biello. "I was in search of my reference points, but it all came back to place quickly. I don't think that tonight was our best performance this season, mainly because of the fatigue. On the flip side, I think that each talented team manages to find a way to win. We now have to make sure that we will build our confidence around the two last games and focus on the upcoming ones."
Midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo did not take part in the game due to a light strain to his left thigh.
The next game will be played between Haiti and Syria, this Saturday, at 3:30 pm, the first of a series of six international friendly games presented at Saputo Stadium this summer.
The Montreal Impact will play its next regular season game, Sunday, against the Portland Timbers at PGE Park, in Portland, at 8 pm (USLlive.com).
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
5th minute - Following a free kick by midfielder Rocco Placentino, forward Roberto Brown controlled the ball with his chest, then goalkeeper Pat Hannigan seized the ball before defender Nevio Pizzolitto could attempt a shot.
8th minute - Midfielder Joey Gjertsen intercepted a pass from Miami FC, before showing up alone in front of goalkeeper Pat Hannigan. Gjertsen attempted to dribble the ball, but Hannigan stretched his arm to seize the ball.
29th minute - On a free kick situation at the edge of the box, midfielder Sandro Grande fired a high shot that sailed over the Miami FC goal.
45th minute - At the entrance of the box, midfielder Joey Gjertsen took a shot that went just to the right of the Miami FC goal.
69th minute - Defender Stephen deRoux made an offensive move on the left flank, but was pushed inside the box after dribbling over many meters and beating three defenders.
NEXT GAMES
- Saturday, June 27 - Haiti VS Syria - Saputo Stadium - 3:30 pm*
- Sunday, June 28 - IMPACT @ Portland - 8 pm (USLlive.com)
- Wednesday, July 1 - Haiti VS IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 7:30 pm*
- Sunday, July 5 - Charleston @ IMPACT - 3:30 pm (CKAC Sports, Radio-Canada, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com)
- Wednesday, July 8 - Syria VS IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 7:30 pm*
* International games
USL First Division Stories from June 23, 2009
- Miami Falls to the Montreal Impact - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Late Pizzolitto Goal Lifts Impact - Montreal Impact
- Whitecaps Tie with City Stars - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Forecast Has Thunder in Rhinos Future - Rochester Rhinos
- City Stars Draw Vancouver Whitecaps 2-2 - Cleveland City Stars
- Timbers' Hayes, Josten Selected to USL First Division Team of the Week - Portland Timbers
- Whitecaps vs. Cleveland Tonight - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Watson named to USL-1 Team of the Week - North Carolina FC
- USL Week 11 pro honors announced - USL-1
- Battery Braces for Islanders - Charleston Battery
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