“Both teams were respecting each other too much during the first half. Both clubs were scared to make mistakes and to take risks," noted Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "The play was more open in the second half. We had our best scoring opportunity when we hit the post. A point on the road is never a bad thing, but you need to get the win in your next home game. It will be important to win against Edmonton.”
The Impact came close to break the tie at the start of the second half. At the 48th minute, midfielder Idriss Ech Chergui took a point blank shot from 10 meters, that hit the cross bar.
The first scoring opportunity of the game came at the 26th minute when forward Reda Agourram dribbled on a few meters before taking a low shot from 20 meters out that went to the right of the Strikers net.
The Impact had another chance at the 32nd minute. Midfielder Anthony Le Gall crossed the ball to the second post to Ech Chergui, who volleyed the ball but goalkeeper Matt Glaeser dove to make the save.
At the 65th minute, Le Gall accepted a pass from midfielder Hassoun Camara and then took a low shot from 35 meters that Glaeser stopped with another diving save.
Impact goalkeeper Bill Gaudette registered his third shutout of the season, after facing 10 shots in the game.
The Strikers got their best chance to break the tie at the 71st minute. Midfielder Martin Nunez received a pass behind the Montreal defence from forward Eduardo “Chaco” Chavez, but his point blank shot went over the Impact net.
Midfielder Amir Lowery started his 50th career game in North American second division, while defender Zurab Tsiskaridze played his 50th career game in the league.
Striker Ali Gerba, who was called up to play for Canada at the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, taking place from June 5 to June 25 in the USA, missed Saturday’s game. Midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo served a one-game suspension following the red card he received in Tampa Bay last Saturday.
Defender Nevio Pizzolitto (hip injury) and midfielder Luke Kreamalmeyer (fractured foot) also missed the game due to injuries.
The Impact will play its next game against FC Edmonton at Saputo Stadium on June 4, at 2:30pm (Radio-Canada, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, radio-canada.ca/sports). Tickets for this game are still available through Admission Network (admission.com / 514-790-1245) or at the ticketing office of the Saputo Stadium.
THREE NEXT GAMES
• Saturday, June 4 – FC Edmonton @ IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 7:30pm
• Wednesday, June 8 – IMPACT @ Atlanta Silverbacks – Atlanta Silverbacks Park – 7:30pm
• Sunday, June 12 – IMPACT @ Puerto Rico Islanders – Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium – 6:05pm
GAME SUMMARY
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