The second game of the aggregate home and away series will be played on Saturday, in Austin, Texas, at 8:30 pm (radio-canada.ca/sports, 98,5FM, THE TEAM 990).
"The effort from everyone was excellent today," said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "A 2-0 victory was a fair result in my opinion. They [Austin] put a little more pressure in the second half, but they were not able to create scoring chances against us. Defensively, we offered up another excellent performance. We now have to prepare for the next game and we must be willing to do whatever it takes to win the second leg. Nothing is won yet."
The Impact opened the scoring in the 39th minute of play. Posted just inside the six-yard box, forward Ali Gerba headed a cross into the back of the net that originated from a Philippe Billy free-kick on the left wing.
Gerba then doubled the Impact lead in the 76th minute. Following a long ball from Rocco Placentino, who had just entered the game seconds earlier, Gerba beat the Aztex defender with speed and then bettered goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo with a hard left-footed shot.
"This result is very positive for the team's confidence," said Gerba. "The chemistry is excellent with this group, we work hard in training and on the field and we are earning results that we deserve. Now, we have to go to Austin to finish what we started tonight."
Gerba’s goals were his first two career playoff markers with the Impact.
The Impact dominated the game with a 14-6 shot advantage. Contrary to last Sunday’s game, the Aztex fielded its three regular forwards, including Maxell Griffin, Edward Johnson and Jamie Watson.
Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan earned his 10th victory and his third shutout in career playoff games.
In the 32nd minute, Aztex goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo was forced into making a brilliant fingertip save off of an Eduardo Sebrango shot that originated from the top of the penalty area.
In the 55th minute, Billy was forced to make a calculated tackle in order to halt a dangerous Aztex attack.
"Our group put in a strong performance tonight," said Billy. "I think that the wet field played into our favour, as we play very well with the ball. We created a lot of movement, from which we created a lot of scoring opportunities, all the while playing strong defensively."
For the first game of the playoffs, the Impact’s starting lineup consisted of goalkeeper Matt Jordan, defenders Philippe Billy, Hicham Aaboubou, Nevio Pizzolitto and Adam Braz, midfielders Leonardo Di Lorenzo, David Testo, Antonio Ribeiro and Tony Donatelli, along with forwards Eduardo Sebrango and Ali Gerba.
Testo left the game in the 25th minute with a calf injury and was replaced by Anthony Le Gall.
The Impact improved its all-time playoff record that now stands at 24-17-5.
The winner of the quarter-finals between the Impact and the Aztex will play against the winner of the Carolina RailHawks (2nd) and the Minnesota Stars (7th), who played to a 0-0 tie on Wednesday night.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
45th minute - Eduardo Sebrango deflected a cross from Leonardo Di Lorenzo with the outside of his foot, but the shot was too high.
68th minute – Following a pass from Gerba, Leonardo Di Lorenzo fired a left-footed shot that just sailed over the crossbar.
MATCH SUMMARY
PHOTOS PÉPÉ AT SAPUTO STADIUM
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 (Ext. 227)
