Impact forward Matthew Palleschi (75th minute) and midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo (88th) scored for Montreal.
For the Silverbacks, former Impact player Daniel Antoniuk came back to haunt his former teammates, scoring both goals in the 15th and 62nd minute.
"We were a little nervous at the beginning of the game and we didn't really establish our style of play until the 40th minute," said Impact midfielder Patrick Leduc, who collected an assist on the first goal. "It's somewhat normal, since this is our first game of the season, but with this result, we've proved that when we find our rhythm, not a lot of teams can beat us."
"This is also a positive result because tonight, our bench made a big difference," said Impact head coach Nick De Santis, who is now undefeated in four season openers as a coach. "To come back from behind the way we did certainly gives us a lot of confidence."
With the tie, the Impact brings its record in season-opening games to six wins, five losses and three ties.
The Impact's lifetime record against the Silverbacks is now nine wins, two losses and one tie.
The Impact will play its next three matches on the road, and will take on the Charleston Battery Saturday, April 28, at Blackbaud Stadium (7:30 pm, CJAD, USLlive.com).
The Impact will play its 14th home opener at Claude-Robillard Sports Complex, Sunday, May 20, against the Seattle Sounders.
THE GOALS
Former Impact forward Daniel Antoniuk opened the score at the 15th minute. A low free kick by David Hayes from 25 yards got through the defense, to the feet of Antoniuk in front of the net. After a quick pivot, he beat Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan, who was playing his first career game in the USL First Division.
Antoniuk doubled the score at the 62nd minute when a ball redirected from a corner kick found him posted in the box. His high shot got past Jordan, who partially blocked the ball.
The Impact picked up the pace at the end of the game, thanks to a goal by Matthew Palleschi in the 77th minute. Coming off the bench, Palleschi was served a through ball from Patrick Leduc that split the defence, sending him on a breakaway on the left flank. The 24-year-old forward beat Silverbacks goalkeeper Felipe Quintero on the near post.
Leonardo Di Lorenzo completed the comeback for the Impact at the 88th minute with a powerful high shot that beat Quintero in the top left corner of the net.
MISSING FROM THE LINE-UP
Team – Player (Position) – Reason – Status
MTL – Hicham Aaboubou – Scratch – Did not make the trip to Atlanta
MTL – Massimo Di Ioia – Groin - Did not make the trip to Atlanta
MTL – Paul Moran – Thigh - Did not make the trip to Atlanta
MTL – Nevio Pizzolitto – Knee – Did not make the trip to Atlanta
MTL – Zé Roberto (M) – Knee – Is currently training with the team
MTL – Jason Di Tullio (D) – Knee – Return unknown
MTL – Shaun Tsakiris (M) –Groin – Return unknown
NEXTS GAMES
Date – Teams – Stadium - Time
Saturday, April 28 - Impact @ Charleston - Blackbaud Stadium - 7:30 pm
Saturday, May 5 - Impact @ Miami FC - Tropical Park Stadium - 8:00 pm
Friday, May 11 - Impact @ Puerto Rico - Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium - 8:00 pm
Sunday, May 20 - Seattle @ Impact - Claude-Robillard Sports Complex - 4:00 pm
GAME SUMMARY
www.impactmontreal.com/Tracker/Tracker.aspx?GameID=40&language=EN
-30-
Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 Ext. 27
