Sebrango Goal Gets Impact in the Win Column
Published on July 31, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Montreal Impact News Release
MONTREAL - A goal from striker Eduardo Sebrango at the 74th minute led the Montreal Impact to a 1-0 win against the Puerto Rico Islanders, Sunday at Saputo Stadium.
Sebrango, who entered the game at the 62nd minute, scored his third goal of the season and his 48th career goal with the Impact. On the play, Sebrango controled with his chest a cross to the far post from defender Philippe Billy, before beating Islanders goalkeeper Richard Martin with a low shot to his left. The 38-year old veteran was named the Setanta Sports Player of the Match for a second consecutive game.
Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush recorded his first win and third shutout of the season, while his opponent, goalkeeper Richard Martin shined with eight saves.
"Today's victory is a reward for all the effort, the work and the solidarity shown by the players," said Impact head coach and sporting director Nick De Santis. "We were in a good position during the whole game and the opponent did not create problems for us. The new players brought a new dynamic, energy and stability. I hope this win will give us some motivation and confidence to continue dictating the play at home."
"We kept going through in the first half and sent a lot of good balls to Ali Gerba, who had a lot of good chances," said Sebrango. "We mixed our plays and created a lot of scoring opportunities. We played well in the second half, and most importantly, got the three points that we needed."
The Impact got its first scoring chance at the 10th minute when a cross from midfielder Ian Westlake was deflected by an Islanders defender to the left of the net.
Forward Ali Gerba, who came back on the starting roster, got several scoring opportunities.
At the 18th minute, Gerba went on a breakaway against the Islanders goalkeeper, following a pass behind the defence from midfielder Amir Lowery but goalkeeper Richard Martin made the save.
Gerba then took a free kick near the 18-yard box line at the 31st minute, but his shot was blocked by the wall. On the rebound, his volley was stopped by Martin.
A few seconds later, the Islanders goalkeeper made two other saves, first with his arm stopping forward Ryan Pore, then on defender Cameron Knowles. Both players were playing their first career game with the Impact.
During stoppage time of the first half, Martin distinguished himself again, stopping this time a point blank shot, then a header from Ali Gerba.
At the 61st minute, a point blank shot from Ryan Pore from inside the six-yard box was stopped by Martin.
The Islanders finished the game with 10 players on the field following the ejection to Yaikel Perez at the 65th minute, for hitting Cameron Knowles.
Midfielders Hassoun Camara and Amir Lowery received their fifth yellow card of the season. They will miss the next game due to an automatic one-game league suspension.
With this win, Montreal remains unbeaten in its last six games in Montreal (2-0-4).
The Impact will play its next home game at Saputo Stadium, Saturday, against the Minnesota Stars, at 8pm (Radio-Canada, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, radio-canada.ca/sports). During the game, the Impact will unveil its new MLS logo. Tickets for this game are still available through Admission Network (admission.com / 514-790-1245) or at Saputo Stadium's ticketing office.
THREE NEXT GAMES
- Saturday, August 6 - Minnesota Stars @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 8pm (Radio-Canada, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, radio-canada.ca/sports)
- Wednesday, August 10 - FC Tampa Bay @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 7:30pm (CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, radio-canada.ca/sports)
- Saturday, Aug. 14 - Atlanta Silverbacks @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 6pm (CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, radio-canada.ca/sports)
North American Soccer League Stories from July 31, 2011
- Silverbacks Drop Rain-Shortened Game - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Sebrango Goal Gets Impact in the Win Column - Montreal Impact
- Silverbacks Women Play For W-League Title Tonight - Atlanta Silverbacks
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