SUMMARY
Midfielder Sandro Grande scored the game-winning goal in the 58th minute, surprising Timbers goalkeeper Josh Saunders with a free kick from 40 yards.
It was Grande’s second consecutive game-winning goal since his return from a groin injury that had sidelined him for five games. Grande also scored the game-winner on a free kick last Wednesday, in a 4-2 win over the Charleston Battery at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex.
In the 5th minute, the Timbers’ Hugo Alcazar-Cuellar created the first scoring opportunity of the game by hammering a free kick from outside the box. Impact goalkeeper Greg Sutton just got enough of the ball to tip the shot over the crossbar.
A few minutes later, Impact defender Adam Braz crossed the ball towards the center of the box, where forward Ali Gerba stood waiting. Gerba’s header grazed the outside of the right post.
Impact goalkeeper Greg Sutton earned his seventh shutout of the season and registered his 50th career shutout during the regular season.
With the win, the Impact is now tied with the Vancouver Whitecaps for second place in the USL First Division standings with 22 points. Montreal has three games in hand on Bob Lilley’s squad.
After the game, Impact players Greg Sutton, Adam Braz, Gabriel Gervais, Sandro Grande, Patrick Leduc and Ali Gerba left Portland for Vancouver where they will join the Canadian national team for an exhibition game against Honduras, Saturday, in preparation for the Gold Cup Tournament, which kicks off July 6 in the United States.
The Impact returns home on July 3 to face the Seattle Sounders in a rematch of last year’s championship final. (19h CKAC, CJAD).
COMMENTS
Head coach Nick De Santis: “It’s a great team win. Everything worked well tonight, especially our collective play. After our last game, players were confident offensively and we created many scoring opportunities. Sandro’s goal was incredible and allowed us to earn three additional points on the road.”
Sandro Grande: “We played very well, especially in the first half. We moved the ball well and we created good scoring chances. On my goal, the goalkeeper thought I would cross the ball so I decided to shoot straight on net. Last year in Syracuse, I had tried the same thing but I hit the crossbar. This time, I really wanted to succeed.I put some spin on the ball. I am really proud of the team tonight.”
IMPACT LINE-UP
Greg Sutton, Gabriel Gervais, Nevio Pizzolitto, Adam Braz, Lars Lyssand, Sandro Grande (Mauricio Vincello 85), Patrick Leduc, ZĂ© Roberto, Eduardo Sebrango (Masahiro Fukasawa 78) Mauro Biello (Antonio Ribeiro 73), Ali Gerba (Adrian Cann 89)
PORTLAND LINE-UP
Josh Saunders, Edwin Miranda, Scot Thompson, Lee Morrison, Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, Aaran Lines, Shaun Higgins, Tom Poltl, Paul Conway, Dan Antoniuk, Fadi Afash (Byron Alvarez 68)
GOALS
MTL: Sandro Grande 58
SHOTS MTL 10 POR 11
SAVES MTL 3 POR 3
FOULS MTL 27 POR 21
OFFSIDES MTL 6 POR 0
CORNERS MTL 4 POR 1
CAUTIONS
POR: Paul Conway 22
MTL: Patrick Leduc 41
MTL: Nevio Pizzolitto 58
POR: Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar 58
MTL: Ali Gerba 87
POR: Byron Alvarez 89
REFEREES
Said Ravanfar, Eric Dottarar, Patrick Duffy, Padman Senthirajah
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Source: Patrick Vallée
Info: 514-328-3668 (ext. 27)
