The Impact had three scoring chances in the first 10 minutes of the match. After 45 minutes of play, the Impact was leading the Crystal Palace 11-3 in shots. Montreal obtained more than 10 shots before halftime for the first time this season.
Baltimore goalkeeper Evan Bush played a remarkable game. In the 9th minute, Bush dived to stop a header from Tony Donatelli. He also blocked a header from Wesley Charles in the 68th minute, as well as a strong shot from Philippe Billy in the 72nd minute.
“We had a lot of opportunities tonight but we lacked opportunism,” declared Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. “We have worked hard and the group did well but the problem was our finishing. We faced a goalkeeper that was on top of his game. We have to continue to play like we did tonight in order to get good results.”
“Our play was encouraging tonight,” said Philippe Billy. “The team is growing. We have to keep the same state of mind and work hard.”
Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan registered his second shutout of the season. He notably stopped two consecutive shots from forward Yaikel Perez in the 76th minute of play.
Crystal Palace ended the game shorthanded after defender Andrew Marshall was ejected in the 88th minute.
Midfielder Patrick Leduc became the 5th player in club history to reach the 15,000-minute played mark with the Impact. after Mauro Biello (22,288 minutes), Nevio Pizzolitto (20,779 minutes), Nick De Santis (18,303 minutes) and Patrick Diotte (16,031 minutes).
“We had control of most of the match but the draw is not satisfying,” said Leduc. “I am proud to have reached that mark. I would have never thought to have reached this mark. It’s a great accomplishment.”
French defender Richard Pelletier, who joined the Impact Monday, played his first career game with the Impact. He replaced Leduc in the 78th of play.
Midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo, who missed the last four games due to a calf injury, returning on the field in the 69th minute.
Defenders Nevio Pizzolitto and Adam Braz served a one-game suspension imposed by the league, after receiving their 5th caution of the campaign. Defenders Stephen deRoux (cheek) and Simon Gatti (groin), as well as forward Marco Terminesi (appendicitis) were out of the lineup because of injuries.
The Impact will be playing its next two matches on the road this Saturday on August 14 in Rochester, and then the following Saturday August 21, in Baltimore. The Impact will play its next game at Saputo Stadium on August 27 against the Rochester Rhinos (Radio-Canada, radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990).
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
6th minute – Forward Ali Gerba took a hard shot from 25 meters out that hit the post to the right of Evan Bush.
7th minute – In the 18-yard box, Eduardo Sebrango took a low shot but Crystal Palace goalkeeper blocked the ball after diving to the ground.
24th minute – Following a pass from Sebrango, Ali Gerba kicked from just outside the box to miss just wide to the left of the net.
43rd minute – Philippe Billy’s 25-meter shot nicked the post to the right of goalkeeper Evan Bush.
54th minute – After a pass from Placentino, Sebrango took a shot to the far post from inside the 18-meter box, to the right of Baltimore’s net.
65th minute – Forward Yaikel Perez took a left-footed 20-meter kick, just over the Impact net.
90th minute – Following a pass from Gerba behind the opponent’s defense, Reda Agourram took a low shot that Bush stopped with his feet.
THE NEXT 3 GAMES
• Saturday, August 14 – IMPACT @ Rochester – Marina Auto Stadium – 7 pm (rhinossoccer.com)
• Saturday, August 21 – IMPACT @ Baltimore – Maryland SoccerPlex – 7 pm (palacebaltimore.com)
• Friday, August 27 – Rochester @ IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 7:30 pm (Radio-Canada, radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)
GAME SUMMARY
PHOTOS PÉPÉ AT SAPUTO STADIUM
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 (Ext. 227)
