A goal by forward Byron Alvarez in the 90th minute, following a failed back pass by Impact defender Andres Arango to his goalkeeper, sealed Montreal’s defeat.
Impact head coach Nick De Santis was not on the bench for the game. De Santis was serving a one-game suspension following an exchange with the referees, after last Friday’s game against the Portland Timbers. Impact assistant coach Peter Pinizzotto replaced him at the helm of the team.
“Effort-wise, we were not at our best and this is unacceptable," said midfielder Patrick Leduc, who was acting as team captain for the game. "We lacked character by allowing the other team to lead the game, come to our field and beat us. We should have remained fast on our feet; we are at home after all. We will watch the game and determine where we lacked chances. We didn’t react properly and that’s what’s disappointing.”
"Any time you play, you play to win," said newcomer Alen Marcina, who played 31 minutes in his first game with the Impact. "The opponent capitalized and won the game. Things will look up and will be positive. Sometimes you get unlucky. We need to work hard, and the chances will come, as well as the goals. I aim to continue improving at every performance. I’m here to help the team in any way possible and hope to contribute by scoring or creating goals."
The Impact, which has not scored in the last 229 minutes of play, ends its six-game home stretch with a 2-2-2 record and a total of eight points, out of a possibility of 18 points.
The Impact had to manage again with some key players out of the line-up: defenders Nevio Pizzolitto (knee) and Gabriel Gervais (groin), midfielders Mauro Biello (thigh) and Antonio Ribeiro (national team), as well as forward Fabian Dawkins (knee).
The Impact will play its next two games on the road Thursday, June 21, against the Timbers in Portland (USLlive.com) and Saturday, June 23, against the Sounders in Seattle (USLlive.com).
HIGHLIGHTS
1st minute - Posted in the box, Battery midfielder fired a strong shot on the near side, but Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan saved the ball with a reflex save, jumping to his left.
21st minute - After a centering pass from midfielder Martin Fabro, forward Frederico Moojen took a low shot on reception to the opposite side, but Battery goalkeeper Dustin Hudock made a diving save to his left.
36th minute – On a centering pass from Moojen, which was partially blocked by the Battery goalkeeper, forward Charles Gbeke charged in and took a low shot off the post, which bounced off a Charleston defender and hit the post again before being cleared.
84th minute – Posted in the box, defender Mauricio Vincello headed a corner kick by Martin Fabro, in the hands of goalkeeper Hudock.
MISSING FROM THE LINE-UP
Player – Position – Injury – Status - Games missed
Gabriel Gervais Defender Groin Approx. two weeks 1
Fabian Dawkins Forward Knee Approx. two weeks 3
Mauro Biello Midfielder Thigh Approx. one week 5
Nevio Pizzolitto Defender Knee Approx. two weeks 10
Jason DiTullio Defender Knee Return unknown 10
Shaun Tsakiris Midfielder Groin Return unknown 10
NEXT GAMES
Date – Teams – Stadium - Time
• Thursday, June 21 – Impact @ Portland – PGE Park – 10 pm (USLlive.com)
• Saturday, June 23 – Impact @ Seattle – Qwest Field – 10 pm (USLlive.com)
• Friday, June 29 – Puerto Rico @ Impact – Claude-Robillard Sports Complex - 7pm (Télévision de Radio-Canada, Sirius, CJAD 800, USLlive.com).
GAME SUMMARY
PHOTOS PÉPÉ
-30-
Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 Ext. 27
