Scoreless draw propels Montreal to Champions League quarterfinals
On to the next round! With an aggregate score of 2-2 after two legs, the Impact has qualified to the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions League through away goals.
Next up, it will be either the Seattle Sounders FC or CD Olimpia, from Honduras.
Energized by the fact that this was their first game at home in front of the Impact faithful, Montreal wasted no time making its way on goal. In the first minute, a high line of pressure from Montreal allowed Bojan to recover the ball in dangerous territory, but the goalie rushed off his line to cut the angle and block the shot.
That early opportunity set the tone for the game that was to come, with both teams earning their fair share of opportunities, although both remained stingy defensively, knowing very well what conceding a goal could do to their chances of qualifying to the next round.
Again, before the end of the first half, Quioto was able to make his way past his man on the flank and pass to Shamit Shome, entering the box alone, but his shot was saved by a diving 'keeper.
“It wasn’t an easy game, like we saw,” said Impact head coach Thierry Henry. We could’ve changed the complexion of this game in the very beginning with Bojan’s opportunity, but he couldn’t finish it off, which can happen. There was that lovely move from Shamit as well who almost scored before the half. We knew we were going to suffer in the second half, but we managed the pressure well. The guys fought hard tonight, but they were a very difficult team to maneuver.”
The Impact did what it had to do in the second 45, keeping the opponent at bay and allowing few shots on goal to the Costa Rican side, and when he needed to, Clément Diop was up to the task. Now, Montreal must wait until tomorrow night to find out who it will face next in the quarter-final round. You can still purchase your tickets for the next round of the Champions League here.
That being said, Thierry Henry’s men will be back in action this Saturday for their MLS home opener against the New England Revolution, at Olympic Stadium at 3pm. You can get your tickets here!
