Vancouver Shuts Down Impact
May 28, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Montreal Impact News Release
BURNABY, BC - In its third game of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, Wednesday, the Montreal Impact (0-3-0) was shut out 1-0 (0-0 halftime) by the Vancouver Whitecaps (2-1-0), at Swangard Stadium, in Burnaby, near Vancouver.
The Impact needed a victory to stay in the race in order to earn a second consecutive championship title.
"I think we could have scored during a few occasions this evening, but we didn't succeed," said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "In important games like this one, the difference often lies in small details. This has been the story of both games against Vancouver. It's unfortunate to put an end to our run so quickly this year, after having gotten so far the previous one. But I believe that the three teams in this championship deserve to take part in the Champions League if they perform well."
Young Whitecaps midfielder Ethan Gage opened the score at the 68th minute. Following a long throw-in by Wes Knight, weakly cleared by the Impact just outside the box, Gage fired a strong low shot that defeated Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan to his right.
Earlier in the second half, at the 55th minute, goalkeeper Matt Jordan saved a penalty from Whitecaps forward Charles Gbeke. Jordan dove to his left to stop a low right-foot shot from Gbeke and midfielder Justin Moose kicked the rebound just above the goal. Two minutes earlier, defender Adam Braz had held Gbeke inside the penalty box.
Jordan was put to the test on various occasions in the first 45 minutes, facing six shots. Overall, Vancouver dominated 9-7 in shots.
"It's obviously very disapointing to lose tonight," said Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan. "We worked hard with a lot of players missing due to injuries. We responded very positively so I give credit to the whole team tonight. We are not even halfway through the season and there is still a lot of soccer to play ahead of us. We have to keep our heads up and keep working hard in the USL championship."
The Whitecaps obtained the best scoring occasions in a first half characterized by physical play, with five cautions issued.
In addition to Stefano Pesoli and Patrick Leduc, who didn't play since the beginning of he season due to injuries, various regular players missed the game: defenders Nevio Pizzolitto (suspension) and Cédric Joqueviel (thigh), as well as midfielders David Testo (thigh), Rocco Placentino (thigh) and Mauro Biello (clavicle).
Midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo returned in the starting lineup, after being absent since the May 2 game, in Puerto Rico.
The Impact will play the first of a three-game road stretch in the USL First Division championship, this Saturday, at Rochester (7:35 pm, USLlive.com).
The team will be back home, June 18, to play the fourth and last game of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, against Toronto FC, at Saputo Stadium.
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
10th minute - Whitecaps midfielder Justin Moose centered a swerving ball from outside the penalty box for Whitecaps forward Charles Gbeke who took a high shot as he was hindered by Impact defender Simon Gatti. His shot sailed high over the net.
21st minute - Following a backheel from Gbeke, Haber fired a low shot from the edge of the penalty box that Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan stopped by diving to his left.
25th minute - On a free kick situation, to the left of the 18-yard box, Martin Nash centered the ball for Ethan Gage, who deflected it just above the Impact net.
76th minute - On a cross from Simon Gatti, forward Pa Amadou Gai, who entered the game a few minutes earlier, deflected the ball with a header to the right of the Caps goal.
88th minute - Forwards Pa Amadou Gai and Eduardo Sebrango fired two consecutive point blank shots that goalkeeper Jay Nolly saved by diving.
NEXT GAMES
- Saturday, May 30 - IMPACT @ Rochester - Paetec Park - 7:35 pm (USLlive.com)
- Thursday, June 4 - IMPACT @ Portland - PGE Park - 10 pm (USLlive.com)
- Thursday, June 18 - Toronto @ IMPACT - 8 pm (Sportsnet, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)*
*Nutrilite Canadian Championship
USL First Division Stories from May 28, 2009
- Match Preview: Austin Aztex FC vs. Puerto Rico Islanders Friday, May 29 @ 7:30 pm - Austin Aztex
- Battery ready for City Stars - Charleston Battery
- RailHawks return home after three straight road wins - North Carolina FC
- Champions Trophy To Be Presented At Olympic Stadium - Montreal Impact
- Charleston Battery will open US Open Cup campaign at home versus Atlanta FC - Charleston Battery
- Gage Lifts Whitecaps - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Vancouver Shuts Down Impact - 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.
